Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 32.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.0%
- Retention Rate
- 60.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,730
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,815 | $50,468 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,785 | $77,348 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,401 | $41,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,990 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,020 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $24,124 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,221 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,286 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,463 | $26,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,358 | $41,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,106 | $16,215 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $42,728 | $17,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Tennessee State graduates earn a median of $42,730 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 63% with typical debt of $27,000. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 8% of graduates' income, which is manageable but above the recommended 6%. The university's strong music program feeds graduates into the entertainment industry, while its education and business programs prepare teachers and corporate professionals. With a 94.2% employment rate, TSU graduates find work consistently. However, the modest earnings compared to debt levels suggest an average return on investment, typical for many HBCUs that prioritize access and community impact over pure financial metrics.