Tennessee State University Admission Requirements

Open Admission Policy

Can I get into Tennessee State University? Tennessee State University is an open admission policy institution. Open admission colleges typically have few admission thresholds and will admit all applicants so long as certain minimum requirements are met. New admission is often granted continually throughout the year. Please consult Tennessee State University directly to learn the specifics of its open admission policy.

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Tennessee State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Tennessee State University are to have around a 3.22 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.22 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Tennessee State University accepts 93% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Tennessee State University is 3.22 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #38 in Tennessee for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Tennessee State University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Tennessee State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 3% of students submitted SAT scores and 36% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Tennessee State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Tennessee State University is 960 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 856-1068. Students who get into Tennessee State University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers..  Tennessee State University ranks #34 in the state of Tennessee for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 960 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Tennessee State University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 856 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 856, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 750, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Tennessee State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 960 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 962, you have around a 93% chance of being admitted. A 1068 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 96% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Tennessee State University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Tennessee State University is 18, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 16 and 21.  The school ranks #37 in Tennessee for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 18. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 16 and score in the score in the top 75 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.

36 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Tennessee State University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Tennessee State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Tennessee State University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 18 score has around 93% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 97% with a 21 ACT score.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Tennessee State University is $25.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Tennessee State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted