Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

8,198

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

85 programs

Full-Time Students

5,888

877 part-time

Total FTE

7,764

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

1288

Total Recent Graduates

With 8,198 students, Tennessee State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 85 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 5,888 (87.0%)

87.0%

Part-Time Students 877 (13.0%)

Total Students 6,765

Predominantly full-time students (87.0%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (71.8%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

65.6%

5,379 students

Men

34.4%

2,819 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Black/African American

76.8%

6,297 students

Black/African American

76.8% (6,297)

White

8.8% (721)

International Students

4.1% (334)

Two or More Races

2.7% (219)

Hispanic/Latino

2.7% (218)

Asian

1.2% (97)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1% (7)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.0% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (66%) across 8,198 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 77% of the student body (6,297 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 66% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

6,765 students

34% Men, 66% Women

5,888 Full-time 877 Part-time

Diversity Index: 32% • Minority Students: 86%

Graduate students

1,433 students

34% Men, 66% Women

665 Full-time 768 Part-time

Diversity Index: 63% • Minority Students: 58%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

6,553

All full-time students

2,229 men, 4,324 women

Diversity: 32%

FT Undergraduate

5,888

Full-time undergraduate

1,990 men, 3,898 women

Diversity: 25%

FT Degree-Seeking

5,886

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

1,989 men, 3,897 women

Diversity: 25%

FT First-Time

1,734

Full-time first-time students

586 men, 1,148 women

Diversity: 33%

FT Continuing

4,152

Full-time continuing students

1,403 men, 2,749 women

Diversity: 22%

FT Transfer

160

Full-time transfer students

73 men, 87 women

Diversity: 52%

FT Continuing

3,992

Full-time other continuing

1,330 men, 2,662 women

Diversity: 20%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

1 men, 1 women

Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

665

Full-time graduate students

239 men, 426 women

Diversity: 68%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,645

All part-time students

590 men, 1,055 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Undergraduate

877

Part-time undergraduate

336 men, 541 women

Diversity: 67%

PT Degree-Seeking

612

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

234 men, 378 women

Diversity: 43%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

20 men, 16 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

576

Part-time continuing students

214 men, 362 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

25 men, 33 women

Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

518

Part-time other continuing

189 men, 329 women

Diversity: 37%

PT Non-Degree

265

Part-time non-degree seeking

102 men, 163 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Graduate

768

Part-time graduate students

254 men, 514 women

Diversity: 57%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

311

White

5,538

Black/African American

190

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

199

International

Diversity Index: 32% Minority Students: 86%

Graduate students

410

White

759

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

135

International

Diversity Index: 63% Minority Students: 58%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Tennessee State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Tennessee State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 8,198 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (71.8%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 7,764 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 47% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (13:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Diversity Focus: Serves a diverse student population with 77% Black/African American students, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6159635000

Address

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd

Nashville, TN 37209-1561

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials