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Tennessee State University Demographics & Diversity

  • 4 Year
  • Nashville, TN
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#9 Best Public Universities in Tennessee
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Medium

Racial Diversity Index: 47%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Tennessee State University are mostly Black with a smaller White population. The school has medium racial diversity. 86% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Tennessee State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) primarily serving the African-American community.

Racial demographics of Tennessee State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
14%
Black
70%
Hispanic
1%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
International
11%
Race Unknown
0%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 45%

There are 89% more female students than male students enrolled at Tennessee State University with a gender ratio of 65% women to 35% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Tennessee State University has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Tennessee State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
35%
Women
65%
Enrollment by gender for Tennessee State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
2,183
Women
4,127

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Medium

Geographic Diversity Index: 59%

Tennessee State University draws 41 percent of students from Tennessee, 57 percent from other states, and 2 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Tennessee, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Tennessee State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
41%
Out of State
57%
Foreign
2%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$53,809 per year

55% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

6,310
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 25.5%
Part-time undergraduates 17.8%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Tennessee State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=221838.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026