Nashville, Tennessee · Public, city campus, historically Black college or university
Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 880-1050. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 16-21. Tennessee State University admitted 70% of applicants and required SAT or ACT scores.
Quick answer
There is no published minimum. Aim for 1050 or higher to sit in the top quarter of Tennessee State University's SAT submitters; 880 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 5% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.
Score check
The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.
Fall 2024 entering class
| Measure | 25th percentile | 50th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading and Writing | 460 | 500 | 540 |
| SAT Math | 420 | 460 | 510 |
| SAT total (estimated) | 880 | 960 | 1050 |
| ACT composite | 16 | 19 | 21 |
Reading and Writing runs higher than Math here: the top quarter starts at 540 in Reading and Writing but 510 in Math.
College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1000.
Testing policy
Tennessee State University told the U.S. Department of Education that it required SAT or ACT scores for students entering in fall 2024. Some colleges that reported scores as required waived them for applicants above a GPA or class-rank cutoff.
Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on Tennessee State University's website before deciding whether to submit.
Beyond scores
Compare
Browse all Tennessee colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 900 SAT or a 1050 SAT, or colleges for a 16 ACT.
Plan your prep
FAQ
Tennessee State University does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 880 and 1050 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1050 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 880 marks the bottom quarter.
Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 16 to 21, with a median of 19. Scoring 21 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.
For fall 2024 entry, Tennessee State University reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it required SAT or ACT scores. Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on Tennessee State University's admissions website before you apply. Some colleges that reported scores as required waived them for applicants above a GPA or class-rank cutoff.
Tennessee State University admitted 70% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Sources and method
Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.
Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.
Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.
Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email support@dolphin.study.
