Tennessee State University: what international applicants need

What are Tennessee State University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Tennessee State University admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.

What is Tennessee State University's acceptance rate?

70.1% for students who started in fall 2024: Tennessee State University admitted 6,773 of its 9,660 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Tennessee State University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Tennessee State University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.

What SAT score do you need for Tennessee State University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 420–510 in Math and 460–540 in Reading and Writing (33% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 16–21.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Tennessee State University's application fee for international students?

Tennessee State University's application fee is $25 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Tennessee State University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Tennessee State University doesn't accept the Common App fee waiver.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Tennessee State University accept?

Tennessee State University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Tennessee State University require?

Tennessee State University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Tennessee State University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Tennessee State University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Tennessee State University have?

109 of Tennessee State University's 5,057 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 2.2%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Tennessee State University cost for international students?

Tennessee State University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $22,416 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $8,616). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $11,150. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $40,977 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source