50 Facts About Tennessee State University

A Rich History and Evolution

Tennessee State University (TSU) has a storied past that has shaped it into the institution it is today. Let's dive into some key historical facts.

1. Founding: Established in 1912 as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes.
2. Name Changes: Renamed Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal College in 1925 and Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State College in 1927.
3. Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1946.
4. Expansion: Between 1943 and 1968, under Walter S. Davis, 70% of the school's facilities were built, and the graduate school was established.
5. Name Change to TSU: Officially became Tennessee State University in 1968.
6. University of Tennessee Merger: In 1979, the University of Tennessee at Nashville merged into TSU due to a court mandate.
7. Historical Significance: The only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee and a Thurgood Marshall College Fund member.

Academic Excellence

TSU offers a wide range of academic programs and has a strong commitment to research and student achievement.

8. Academic Programs: Offers 41 bachelor's degrees, 23 master's degrees, and eight doctoral degrees.
9. Colleges and Schools: Organized into eight schools and colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences, and the College of Business.
10. Campus Size: The main campus spans 500 acres in Nashville, Tennessee.
11. On-Campus Housing: Provides dormitories and apartment complexes for students, such as Wilson Hall and the Ford Complex.
12. Athletics: Sponsors seven men's and eight women's teams in NCAA-sanctioned sports, competing in the Ohio Valley Conference.
13. Student Organizations: Over 60 registered student organizations, including the Student Government Association and the Aristocrat of Bands.
14. Notable Alumni: Includes Oprah Winfrey, Wilma Rudolph, and Jesse Russell.
15. Rankings: Ranked #392-434 in National Universities and #29 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
16. Undergraduate Enrollment: Total undergraduate enrollment for fall 2023 was 6,765 students.
17. Graduate Enrollment: Total graduate enrollment for fall 2023 was 1,433 students.
18. Student-Faculty Ratio: A low student-faculty ratio of 13:1.
19. International Students: Students from 39 countries, showcasing global diversity.
20. Ethnic Diversity: 92% minority enrollment, with 85% in undergraduate programs.
21. Gender Distribution: Predominantly female, with 65.6% female students and 34.4% male students.
22. Academic Calendar: Operates on a semester-based academic calendar.
23. In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,568 for the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
24. Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $22,284 for the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
25. Admissions Requirements: Average SAT range is 880-1070, and the average ACT range is 16-21. Average high school GPA is 3.3.

Student Life and Opportunities

TSU offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and opportunities for personal growth.

26. Student Clubs and Organizations: More than 100 student clubs and organizations available.
27. Forensic Debate Team: Competitive forensic debate team participates in national and international debates.
28. Aristocrat of Bands: Known for high-energy performances and precision.
29. Health Science Program: Largest in the state and one of the largest in the nation.
30. Research Activity: Classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity."
31. Accreditation by SACS: Accredited to award 38 baccalaureate degrees, 24 master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in seven areas.
32. Associate and Bachelor Degrees: Offers Associate of Science degrees in nursing and dental hygiene, and bachelor's degrees in over 40 majors.
33. Master's and Doctoral Degrees: Offers master's degrees in various fields and doctoral degrees in biological sciences, computer information systems engineering, and more.
34. Student Achievement: 6-year graduation rate of 63% for undergraduate students and 62% for graduate students.
35. Retention Rate: First-time full-time freshmen retention rate is high, with 32% graduating within 150% of the time to completion.
36. Graduate Degrees Awarded: In fall 2023, awarded 771 undergraduate degrees, 20 associate degrees, 751 bachelor's degrees, 512 master's degrees, 59 graduate certificates, 374 doctoral degrees, and 79 Ed Specialist degrees.
37. Student Diversity: Diverse student body with a majority of black students, followed by white and other ethnic groups.
38. International Enrollment: Small but significant number of international students from 39 countries.
39. Pell-Eligible Students: Significant percentage of degree-seeking students are Pell-eligible.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

TSU is deeply engaged with the local community and is poised for future growth and excellence.

40. New Student Enrollment: In fall 2023, had 1,766 new students, including 216 first-time freshmen and 426 first-time transfers.
41. Student-Faculty Interaction: Emphasizes student-faculty interaction with a low student-faculty ratio.
42. Research Opportunities: Provides various research opportunities for students.
43. Community Engagement: Engaged with the local community through outreach programs and partnerships.
44. Historical Land-Grant Status: Unique role in providing education and research opportunities to historically underrepresented groups.
45. State Funding: Awarded $250 million from the state legislature in 2022 for campus upgrades.
46. Campus Facilities: Main campus has more than 65 buildings, including dormitories, academic buildings, and recreational facilities.
47. Student Life: Offers a vibrant student life with over 60 registered student organizations and a strong athletic program.
48. Alumni Achievements: Alumni have achieved significant success in various fields.
49. Community Impact: Positive impact on the local community through outreach programs and research initiatives.
50. Future Prospects: Ongoing investments in infrastructure and academic programs position TSU for continued growth and excellence.

Tennessee State University: A Legacy of Excellence

Tennessee State University stands as a beacon of education and opportunity. Founded in 1912, it has grown into a leading institution with a rich history. Offering 41 bachelor's degrees, 23 master's degrees, and eight doctoral degrees, TSU is committed to academic excellence. The campus spans 500 acres in Nashville, providing a vibrant student life with over 60 organizations and a strong athletic program. Notable alumni like Oprah Winfrey and Wilma Rudolph highlight its impact. With a diverse student body and a focus on research, TSU continues to thrive. Recent state funding of $250 million promises further growth. TSU's dedication to education, community engagement, and student success makes it a cornerstone of higher education.