Tennessee State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. At Tennessee State University, families can see clear tuition numbers, state lottery aid, and a mix of automatic and competitive scholarships that really do cut the price. If you live in Tennessee, don’t miss the Tennessee state aid guide — and if you’re comparing multiple schools, our College Scholarships Hub is a good place to start.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Tennessee State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12 hrs/term) | $9,048 | $22,848 |
| Housing (Double Room) | $4,322 | $4,322 |
| Meal Plan (7-Day Access) | $5,072 | $5,072 |
| Total (before aid) | $18,442 | $32,242 |
Example: An out-of-state student in an approved ACM major pays about $9,048 instead of $22,848 — saving nearly $13,800 per year.
COA FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state rates? Tennessee residents who meet residency rules set by the state and university.
How much do students really pay? The average family paid about $9,200 after scholarships and grants, but costs vary based on income and aid.
Is the Academic Common Market automatic? No. You must apply through your home state’s ACM office and be certified for an eligible major.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
TSU’s Office of Institutional Merit Scholarships (OIMS) publishes clear, admission-based tiers for first-time freshmen. Awards are offered as funds allow and require full-time enrollment. Award amounts are set dollar figures (not “blanket coverage”) and may be adjusted each year based on state/fiscal conditions.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Merit (In-state) | $18,630/year (up to 8 semesters) | ≥3.5 GPA; ACT 28–36 or SAT 1300–1600+ | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.5 GPA, 15 credits/term | Top academics (≈3.6–4.0+ GPA with ACT 28+), strong rigor/service |
| Presidential Excellence (Out-of-state) | $28,430/year (up to 8 semesters) | ≥3.5 GPA; ACT 28–36 or SAT 1300–1600+ | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.5 GPA, 15 credits/term | Out-of-state students at same high GPA/ACT level |
| Trustee Merit (In-state) | $15,630/year | ≥3.3 GPA; ACT 26–27 or SAT 1230–1290 | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.3 GPA, 15 credits/term | A-/B+ students with upper-20s ACT |
| Trustee Excellence (Out-of-state) | $25,430/year | ≥3.3 GPA; ACT 26–27 or SAT 1230–1290+ | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.3 GPA, 15 credits/term | Out-of-state with upper-20s ACT and solid GPA |
| Academic Merit (In-state) | $12,630/year | ≥3.3 GPA; ACT 24–25 or SAT 1160–1220 | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.3 GPA, 15 credits/term | Upper-B+/A- students with mid-20s ACT |
| Academic Excellence (Out-of-state) | $22,430/year | ≥3.3 GPA; ACT 24–25 or SAT 1160–1220 | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.3 GPA, 15 credits/term | Out-of-state students with mid-20s ACT and ≥3.3 GPA |
| Big Blue Merit (In-state) | $9,630/year | ≥3.0 GPA; ACT 19–23 or SAT ~990–1150 | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.0 GPA, 15 credits/term | Broad band from 3.0/19 ACT to ~3.2/23 ACT |
| Big Blue Excellence (Out-of-state) | $19,430/year | ≥3.0 GPA; ACT 19–23 or SAT ~990–1150 | No | Yes — FAFSA filed, ≥3.0 GPA, 15 credits/term | Out-of-state students in same GPA/ACT bands |
Notes: Award values are fixed annual dollar amounts set by TSU. They are intended to cover tuition, fees, and housing/meal costs at current rates, but they are not “open-ended” full coverage guarantees. Families should confirm the dollar figure in their official award letter each year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at TSU
Do I need a separate application? No. These are admission-based. Apply to TSU early; awards are made until funds are exhausted.
How are test scores reviewed? TSU uses your highest single composite score from any test date submitted. They do not recombine subscores (“superscoring” in the strict sense), but they do evaluate your best test date for both admission and scholarship consideration.
Is TSU test-optional? No. First-year applicants must submit official ACT or SAT scores for both admission and merit scholarship review.
What are the renewal rules? Remain full-time, earn 15 credits per semester (30 per year), file FAFSA annually, and maintain the required GPA for your scholarship (3.0–3.5 depending on award tier).
Can I stack with other awards? You can only hold one university merit scholarship at a time. Some outside or departmental scholarships may stack, but total aid cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance and may be adjusted.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are the most competitive, flagship-level scholarships at Tennessee State University. Unlike the automatic merit grid, flagship awards are limited in number, require extra steps, and are meant to recognize the very top applicants. Think of them as TSU’s “competitive scholarships” — selective, high-value, and prestige-based.
At present, TSU’s most competitive flagship award is the HCA/TSU Scholars Program, designed for high-achieving students in health-related majors.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCA/TSU Scholars Program | High-value scholarship (up to full tuition support; exact award varies by funding cycle) | First-time freshmen pursuing approved health-related majors; strong GPA/test scores; leadership/service record | Yes — separate application with 1,000-word essay; limited slots available | Yes — maintain GPA and program requirements | Top health-major students with rigorous academics, leadership, and strong written application materials |
Disclaimer: TSU does not publish an exact annual dollar figure for the HCA/TSU Scholars Program. Based on past awards, it can cover substantial costs (often near full tuition). Families should confirm current award amounts and conditions in the official program materials.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at TSU
What counts as a flagship scholarship? At TSU, flagship scholarships are the most selective awards, requiring extra essays and applications, and offering the highest dollar amounts. They are more competitive than the automatic merit grid.
How many flagship scholarships exist? Currently, TSU highlights the HCA/TSU Scholars Program as its main university-level flagship award. Other selective funding is handled through departments, the Honors College, or the Foundation portal.
When are applications due? The HCA/TSU Scholars Program requires a separate application and essay. Deadlines vary, but families should plan for early fall of senior year and monitor TSU announcements closely.
Can flagship awards stack with other aid? In most cases, yes, but total aid cannot exceed the published Cost of Attendance. TSU may adjust aid packages to stay within those limits.
⭐ College Specialty
Tennessee State University stands out as a public HBCU with a strong research profile (classified as an R2: High Research Activity university). Families often hear about its famous marching band and proud land-grant tradition, but TSU also has academic programs that consistently earn recognition statewide and nationally. These specialties can open doors for internships, graduate study, and careers in high-demand fields.
🎵 Music & Performing Arts (Aristocrat of Bands) — TSU’s marching band is the first collegiate marching band to ever win a GRAMMY Award (2023). This distinction put the program on the national stage and showcases the strength of TSU’s music program overall.
- Agriculture & Extension (Land-Grant Strength): TSU is one of only two land-grant universities in Tennessee, operating multiple research and education centers across the state. It is federally recognized among the 1890 land-grant HBCUs, with Centers of Excellence in food security, renewable energy, and natural resources.
- Engineering & Technology: ABET-accredited programs with strong ties to industry partners in Nashville and beyond. The College of Engineering collaborates with organizations such as the Tennessee Road Builders Association and ASHRAE, helping students land internships and competitive scholarships.
- Health Sciences & Nursing: TSU’s College of Health Sciences has been noted statewide for producing nurses, public health leaders, and allied health professionals, with clinical partnerships across Middle Tennessee.
- Business: TSU’s College of Business is AACSB-accredited (a distinction earned by less than 6% of business schools worldwide) and offers specialty programs like Supply Chain Management and Accounting that place graduates into strong career pipelines.
🎖️ Honors College
The Honors College at Tennessee State University gives high-achieving students a smaller community within the larger campus. Admission is selective, but for students who qualify, it means smaller classes, priority advising, and unique leadership opportunities that can make a big campus feel more personal and connected.
TSU’s Honors College does not offer its own named scholarships. Instead, students who earn a place in the program are typically the same students who qualify for TSU’s top automatic merit awards, such as the Presidential or Trustee scholarships. Honors membership also opens doors to unique research, travel, and funding opportunities that the general student body cannot access.
📊 High school GPA of 3.25+ and ACT scores in the mid-20s or higher. Many take advanced coursework in high school and arrive with clear leadership or service experience.
- Priority registration each semester
- Designated Honors housing for a living-learning community
- Honors-only seminars and smaller class sizes
- Faculty mentoring and funded undergraduate research opportunities
- Study abroad and internship support, often with financial assistance
- Preparation for national awards like the Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall Scholarships
FAQ — TSU Honors College
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College after being admitted to TSU. The application typically requires transcripts, test scores, and an essay or statement of interest.
How do Honors students receive scholarships? Most are already eligible for TSU’s highest automatic awards (Presidential or Trustee). On top of that, Honors membership provides extra chances for research funding, travel stipends, and preparation for competitive national fellowships.
Does joining Honors add time to graduation? No. Honors students complete enhanced versions of their degree requirements but still graduate on the usual four-year timeline if they stay on track.
When should I apply? Priority deadlines are often in early spring for incoming freshmen. Interested students should apply as soon as they receive their admission decision.
📎 Official Links
- Tennessee State University — Homepage
- University Honors College
- Institutional Merit Scholarships (OIMS)
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
Final Thoughts
Navigating scholarships at Tennessee State can feel overwhelming at first glance — but once you break it down, the picture gets clearer. Automatic merit sets the baseline, the state’s HOPE program adds a reliable boost, and gems like ROTC or departmental awards can round out the package. For high achievers, the Honors College and flagship HCA/TSU Scholars Program open doors to unique opportunities. The result? With some planning, families can often bring the net cost down much lower than the published sticker price.
✅ Last updated: September 26, 2025