Tennessee State University (TSU) is a prominent public research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1912, TSU is recognized as one of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It is dedicated to empowering students through education and promoting inclusivity and diversity. The university’s mission is aligned with its motto, "Think Work Serve," which emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, hard work, and community service. TSU offers a wide array of academic programs, distinguished for its excellence in fields such as engineering, agriculture, business, and the arts. With a commitment to student success, TSU provides comprehensive resources including tutoring, mentoring, and career services that aid students in their academic and professional pursuits.

The campus of Tennessee State University is known for its vibrant culture and strong sense of community. It boasts a slew of student organizations and extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and leadership skills. The TSU Tigers represent the university in various athletic competitions, showcasing the school's dedication to sports and physical fitness. As a member of the NCAA Division I, the athletics program allows students to engage actively in sports such as basketball, football, and track and field. The campus is also home to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational centers, ensuring that students have access to the necessary tools for their education and overall development. TSU's commitment to research and innovation has positioned it as a key player in various partnerships and collaborations within the Nashville community, leading to impactful contributions in public health, engineering, and social sciences.

Tuition Trends and Their Implications

The tuition costs at Tennessee State University show a significant upward trend over the years, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates increased from $19,218 to $22,284, representing about a 15% rise. Similarly, in-state tuition for undergraduates also increased from $6,498 to $8,568, indicating a 32% increase over the same period. This notable rise in tuition fees may affect student enrollment, especially among out-of-state students who may be more sensitive to cost changes.

Moreover, the university has experienced fluctuations in student enrollment. From 2014 to 2024, the number of undergraduate students peaked at 7,073 in 2015 before declining to 6,765 in 2024. This drop in enrollment, despite rising tuition fees, raises concerns regarding the university's ability to attract and retain students. In particular, the retention rate fell to 52.9% in 2022 after a steady increase through previous years, suggesting that the university may need to reassess its support systems and academic resources.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students reflects a predominance of female students, with female enrollment fluctuating around impressive figures over the years, peaking at approximately 66% in the most recent count. This demographic shift highlights the crucial need for the institution to consider gender-specific support services and programs to maintain engagement and success rates among male students, who consistently represent a smaller percentage.

Further, the graduation rates present a mixed picture. While the 100% on-time graduation rate was just 8.5% in 2014, it increased to about 18.6% in 2024, showcasing improvements in the university's academic environment. However, the overall graduation rate could be further improved. The varied outcomes in these key areas—tuition, enrollment, gender ratio, and graduation rates—suggest that while Tennessee State University is making strides in certain aspects, challenges remain that require targeted strategies to foster a thriving academic community.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Tennessee State University for 2023

The graduation data from Tennessee State University in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the trends of degree completion, particularly in health and engineering fields. The most significant number of graduates were from health-related programs, highlighting the increasing emphasis on healthcare professions in today's job market. Specifically, the Physical Therapy program produced 35 graduates, along with substantial numbers from Occupational Therapy and Registered Nursing, emphasizing a robust focus on health professions within the university’s academic offerings.

Moreover, another notable trend is reflected in the engineering disciplines, with Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering each seeing 13 graduates. This aligns with national trends in the United States, where STEM fields are experiencing a surge in demand, influenced by technological advancements and an increasing need for technical expertise across various industries.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning the strong representation of international students, particularly in master's programs, suggesting that Tennessee State University is becoming an attractive destination for global talent, especially in complex fields like business administration and health sciences. For instance, the international graduates accounted for a significant number in master's programs, showcasing a positive trend toward diversity in the academic landscape.

Lastly, the absence of graduates in associate degree programs across most categories may indicate a strategic shift in university offerings, emphasizing higher degree completions rather than foundational programs. Overall, the data illustrates a commitment to equipping students with qualifications that align with workforce demands, particularly in vital sectors such as healthcare and technology.

Tennessee State University Student Demographics in 2024

The student demographic data for Tennessee State University in 2024 reveals a diverse and predominantly female student body. Among the new undergraduate students, approximately 34.2% are male and 65.8% are female, indicating a significant gender disparity. This trend continues with continuing undergraduates, where males represent 33.7% and females comprise 66.3% of the student population. Such a gender distribution, common in many institutions of higher education, raises questions about the engagement and retention strategies for male students.

Transfer students showcase a slightly different gender balance, with 45% male and 55% female, suggesting that this group may experience different dynamics possibly due to professional or familial obligations that necessitate transferring. Overall, the graduate student population mirrors the undergraduate figures with 34.4% male and 65.6% female, reinforcing the notion that graduate programs also face similar gender challenges.

Ethnic diversity within these categories, while not fully detailed, hints at varying levels of representation among different groups. For example, the breakdown for white students in the undergraduate new and continuing categories indicates there is a need to focus on enhancing inclusivity and support systems for students of color, particularly in an era where diversity in higher education is increasingly prioritized.

As universities strive to create more equitable educational environments, understanding these demographics is critical. Initiatives aimed at increasing male engagement and supporting underrepresented minorities will be crucial in fostering a more balanced and supportive academic community at Tennessee State University.

Age Composition of Tennessee State University Students in 2024

The demographic data from Tennessee State University highlights a diverse age composition among its student body in 2024. The largest age group is from 18 to 19 years old, displaying a substantial population of 3,693 students, with the vast majority being undergraduates. This aligns with national trends as many students transition directly from high school to college.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable drop in enrollment as age increases. For students aged 20-21, the total number of students is 1,497. Despite creating a robust foundation, older age groups show significantly reduced numbers, reflecting a common trend where traditional paths in education see decreased participation as students become older. For instance, only 212 students fall within the 25-29 age bracket, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students.

Moreover, among the older segments, particularly those over 30, the numbers drop further to indicate fewer individuals pursuing higher education later in life, highlighting the challenges adults may face in balancing education with familial and professional obligations.

The data also brings to light gender distribution within the various age categories, revealing an encouraging representation of female students, especially in graduate programs. This could suggest shifts in societal norms regarding education and women's roles, which have been reinforced by ongoing discussions on equity in education in the last few years.

Overall, while the university exhibits strong enrollment among younger students, it faces the challenge of encouraging lifelong learning and participation from older demographics. Fostering an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of all age groups will be crucial for the university's future growth and success.

Trends in International Enrollment at Tennessee State University

The data on international student enrollment at Tennessee State University reveals a notable fluctuation over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education and the impact of global events. From 2006 to 2014, a steady decline in the enrollment of international undergraduate students is observed, with percentages dropping dramatically from 0.95% to 0.20%. However, a remarkable recovery occurred starting in 2014, when the percentage of international undergraduates surged to 2.46%, culminating in the peak of 10.61% in 2016.

The graduate student numbers illustrate a more consistent growth in international enrollment, peaking at 16.29% in 2016. This uptick aligns with national trends indicating an overall increase in international students pursuing graduate studies in the U.S., heavy influenced by the perceived value of American degrees in the global job market.

However, the enrollment numbers dipped sharply in the aftermath of COVID-19, particularly evident in 2021, where international undergraduate enrollment fell to 1.47%—highlighting the adverse effects of the pandemic on global mobility. The slight rebounds in 2022 and 2023 suggest recovery efforts may be underway, yet the rates remain lower than those experienced in 2016.

The variations in these percentages not only showcase the challenges and adaptations faced by international students but also reflect the changing policies and perceptions surrounding U.S. higher education. As institutions work to attract diverse student bodies, maintaining a balance while navigating geopolitical and health-related challenges remains essential. This ongoing situation emphasizes the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in international education strategy at Tennessee State University and beyond.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Tennessee State University:

1. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2025 US News list, Vanderbilt is a prestigious private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

2. Belmont University - With a rank of 220, Belmont University is a private Christian university that emphasizes liberal arts education. It is also based in Nashville and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

3. Lipscomb University - Ranked 244, Lipscomb is a private Christian university known for its strong emphasis on faith and community. Located in Nashville, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4. Middle Tennessee State University - With a rank of 273, MTSU is a public university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It offers a diverse range of programs and has a large student population.

5. The University of the South - Ranked 45, this is a private liberal arts university located in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is known for its picturesque campus and a strong commitment to the liberal arts education.

These institutions represent a mix of private and public universities, each offering unique academic strengths and campus experiences.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Tennessee State University

The crime statistics at Tennessee State University over the past decade reveal a notable decline in criminal activity on campus. The average number of documented incidents per 1,000 students has consistently decreased from 11.14 in 2013 to just 2.63 in 2023, signifying a substantial drop in crime rates by over 76% since the highest recorded year. This decreasing trend is indicative of successful crime prevention strategies and enhanced safety measures implemented by the university.

Among specific crimes, there has been a remarkable reduction in gun-related arrests, which is critical given the current national dialogue on campus security and gun violence. The figures reflect a drop from nine incidents in 2013 to merely two in the most recent year reported, showcasing progress in addressing this pressing issue. Furthermore, incidents of drug and alcohol-related arrests have also seen a decline, contributing to a safer campus environment for students.

This positive trend aligns with broader initiatives prioritizing student safety, which have been especially pertinent in light of recent societal discussions surrounding campus security. The university's engagement with students and local law enforcement likely plays a vital role in fostering a safer community.

Overall, the significant reduction in crime rates at Tennessee State University offers an encouraging outlook, demonstrating that collaborative efforts in community policing, student awareness, and preventative measures can lead to environments conducive to both education and personal safety. For those interested in understanding the calculations behind crime rates, further information can be found here: Crime Rate Calculation Method.