At $10,026/yr net price, Tennessee State University graduates earn $42,730/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,730/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,730/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,730/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,239/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,436/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,079/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,738/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,378/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
33.0% of students at Tennessee State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Tennessee State University delivers poor overall returns despite its low net price of around $10,000 annually. The median graduate earns just $42,730 ten years after enrollment, and only one-third of students actually graduate within six years.
Your major choice makes an enormous difference at TSU. Nursing graduates earn $87,815 annually, more than double the school median, though they carry higher debt loads. Engineering programs in mechanical and electrical fields also provide solid returns above $61,000. However, the rehabilitation therapy programs show concerning debt-to-income ratios, with some graduates owing $77,348 for jobs paying around $70,000.
The biggest financial risk at TSU is the graduation rate. With only 33% of students completing their degrees and a retention rate of just 60%, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no degree. This makes TSU particularly risky if you're academically underprepared or lack strong study habits.
TSU works financially for students who can get into nursing or engineering and are confident they'll graduate. The low sticker price helps, and over half of students receive financial aid. However, if you're considering liberal arts or general studies, you should look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings for most majors creates poor odds.
The school's location in Nashville provides job opportunities, but you need to actually graduate to access them. If you're not committed to one of the higher-paying technical fields, community college followed by transfer to a school with better completion rates offers better financial prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee State University worth the cost?
Tennessee State University has a low net price at $10,026 per year, but graduates earn only $42,730 after 10 years. The 33% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Tennessee State University?
Nursing programs at Tennessee State University offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $87,815. Engineering majors also perform well, with mechanical engineers earning $64,990 and electrical engineers earning $61,020.
How much debt do Tennessee State University graduates have?
Tennessee State University graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt. With median earnings of $42,730, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their degrees.
Why is Tennessee State University's graduation rate so low?
Only 33% of students graduate from Tennessee State University within six years. This low completion rate significantly reduces the value proposition, as students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without earning a degree.