Admission Policies & Regulations

Undergraduate Admission

All inquiries about admission, applications for admission, and transcripts of credit should be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Tennessee State University, 3500 John Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209-1561. 

Freshman Admission

Applicants for admission to the freshman class should submit their application materials as early as possible in their senior year of high school. 

Applicants should request high schools to send transcripts including all semesters of high school credits as soon as grades are available. Applicants are requested to furnish supplementary records such as official high school transcripts showing proof of graduation and receipt of a diploma immediately following graduation. The high school transcript of Tennessee public high school graduates must also have proof that required proficiency examinations have been passed. 

The State of Tennessee as of July 1, 1998 requires new students and readmitted full-time students to provide proof of two doses of immunization with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. Immunization forms will be mailed out to admitted students with their acceptance letter. An applicant will not be allowed to register for courses until the immunization requirements above are submitted. 

Admission will be granted to freshmen applicants who meet regular admission requirements and who hold a recognized high school diploma that includes a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required in the core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma. These courses include the following: 

English - 4 Units 

Visual and/or Performing Arts, including a survey course or participation in one or more of the arts (music, dance, theatre, visual arts) - 1 Unit 

Algebra I and II - 2 Units 

Geometry or other advanced math course with geometry as a major component - 1 Unit 

Additional Unit of Math - 1 Unit 

Natural/Physical Sciences, including at least one unit, with lab, of Biology or Technology, chemistry, physics or Principles of Technology II - 3 Units 

Social Studies, including world history, ancient history, modern history, world geography, European History - 1 Unit 

*United States History - 1 Unit 
A single Foreign Language - 2 Units 

*Required by Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-110. Students deficient in the completion of United States History are required to complete six semester hours of United States History or three semester hours of United States History and three semester hours of Tennessee History. 

Additional First-time Freshmen General Requirements 

1. All students are required to submit an application for admission and a $25 non-refundable processing fee. Fee waivers are not accepted as a substitute for the processing fee. 
2.  Any student desiring admission without conditions must have submitted an application, an application fee, and all documents (transcripts and ACT/SAT Test Scores) at least 45 days prior to the semester of intent. 
3. All graduates of nonpublic high schools (i.e., private schools, home schools, and church related schools) must submit an official transcript from an affiliated organization as defined by law T.C.A. 49-50-801or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would have otherwise attended. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential must provide acceptable scores on the examination. 

Regular Admission In-State 

For regular admissions, an applicant must meet the following requirements 2015-2017: 

1. ACT Score of 19 or 900 and above on the SAT, and
2. Minimum weighted grade point average of 2.50 
3. Must pass the Tennessee Proficiency Examination, and 

NOTE 1: ACT or SAT scores are required of all students under 21 years of age for advisement and placement purposes.  

NOTE 2: Residency classification for fee-paying purposes determines whether the applicant is in-state or out-of-state. The children of graduates who live out-of-state are governed by in-state admissions requirements but are required to pay out-of-state tuition. 

Conditional Admission

1. Applicants will be given consideration for admission on a conditional basis if they meet the following requirements:

      a. completed all required high school units but do not meet the required grade point average and/or test score;

2. Applicants admitted must complete courses specified with grades of “C” or better. Such specified courses must be completed in the first two semesters and first summer of enrollment in order for the student to be continued in the University.

3. The number of students permitted to enroll in this category will not exceed five percent (10%) of the total number of first-time freshmen admitted in any given term. 

Regular Admissions Out-of-State 

For regular admissions, an applicant must meet the following requirements for 2015-2017. 

1. ACT Score of 19 or 900 and above on the SAT, or 
2. Minimum grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 system and 
3. Students who take the ACT: Subscores in English, Math, and Reading must be 13 or higher in 2 out of 3 of the subject areas; Students who take the SAT: Verbal Sub-Score must be 340 or higher and Math Subscore must be 270 or higher 

NOTE 1: ACT or SAT scores are required of all students under 21 years of age for advisement and placement purposes. 

NOTE 2: An applicant over the age of 21, who fails to meet the required grade point average may be admitted by attaining the required ACT score 19. 

NOTE 3: Residency classification for fee-paying purposes determines whether the applicant is in-state or out-of-state. The children of graduates who live out-of-state are governed by in-state admissions requirements but are required to pay out-of-state tuition. 

1. Applicants will be given consideration for admission on a regulated basis if they meet the following requirements: 
   1. completed all State Board of Regents high school units but do not meet the required grade point average and/or test score; 
   2. deficient no more than two State Board of Regents high school units but meet and/or exceed an acceptable grade point average and/or test score. 
2. Applicants admitted under regulated status must complete courses specified with grades of “C” or better. Such specified courses must be completed in the first two semesters and first summer of enrollment in order for the student to be continued in the University.
3. Such regulated admissions must have the approval of the Director of Admissions. The number of students permitted to enroll in this category will not exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of first-time freshmen admitted in any given term, or 100 students, whichever is greater.

Admission Based on GED Test: 

Any applicant desiring admission based on the General Education Development Test must meet the following requirements: 

1. Be 18 years of age. 
2. Submit a GED Report showing a composite score of 600 or above (45 prior to January 2002 or 450 from January 2002-December 2013) with a passing notation. 
3. Take the ACT/SAT. Applicants who are under 21 years of age and meet the required GED score must take the ACT/SAT. 
4. GED recipients who are 21 or older must take the ACCUPLACER. 

Admission Based on HiSet (HSE): 

Any applicant desiring admission based on the General Education Development Test must meet the following requirements: 

1. Be 18 years of age. 
2. Submit a HiSet showing a composite score of 45 or above with a passing notation. 
3. Take the ACT/SAT. Applicants under 21 years of age and who meet the required HiSet score must take the ACT/SAT. 
4. HiSet recipients who are 21 or older must take the ACCUPLACER. 

Placement 

All first-time freshman students under the age of twenty-one are required to submit their American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores as a condition for admission. ACT scores in Reading, Math and English are used to determine placement in college-level courses with or without learning support. First-time students over the age of twenty-one who do not have a valid ACT will take ACCUPLACER for placement purposes. Diagnostic testing may also be required to determine learning support requirements. 

Transfer students who have not been previously assessed and who have not earned credits in college-level English composition or college-level, algebra-based mathematics must undergo ACCUPLACER assessment in the appropriate area(s). Transfer students are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores, although they are encouraged to do so if they have valid scores, although they are encouraged to do so if they have valid scores.  Diagnostic testing may also be required to determine learning support requirements. 

Non-degree students who have not completed the first college-level course in English or mathematics must undergo ACCUPLACER assessment in the appropriate subject area in order to determine requirements for learning support with the college-level course.

Students who are placed according to their ACT scores are exempt from ACCUPLACER testing.  Failure to abide by ACT or ACCUPLACER placement will not be used as a basis for waiving requirements. 

If there are extenuating circumstances, a student may retake the ACCUPLACER for a fee of $20, providing the student has taken no coursework in the retest area.

Advanced Placement Credit

The University will award advanced standing to entering freshmen based upon Advanced Placement Examination results. Scores of 3 to 5 will be awarded appropriate credit. 

Official copies of the Examination scores must be submitted by the testing agency to the Office of Admissions and Records. Refer to the following chart for credits awarded: 

Required Testing

Any or all students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and achievement in major areas as a prerequisite to graduation, for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. Unless otherwise provided for in an individual program, no minimum score or level or achievement is required for graduation. Participation in testing may be required of all students, of students in selected programs, and of students selected on a sample basis.

Early Admission

Students who wish to begin college at the end of their junior year may qualify under the following conditions:

1. be at least 16 years of age;
2. have completed the junior year of high school with a minimum of 14 high school units;
3. have a 3.2 grade-point average on all work taken during grades 9, 10, and 11; 
4. have a minimum ACT composite score of 22; 
5. be recommended for participation in the program by either the high school principal or the guidance counselor; 
6. taken and passed the Tennessee Proficiency Test. 

Dual Enrollment Policy 

Tennessee State University (TSU) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn transferable university credit by taking classes at the main campuses, at off-campus locations, via distance education or at their own high school. This program allows students to complete entry-level college courses and have them count for both high school and college credit. Also, see Prior Learning Assessment.

To be dually enrolled, an applicant must have completed their sophomore year in high school, be recommended by their high school principal or guidance counselor and have written parental permission, if the student is under 18 years of age. Students must complete the Tennessee State University admission process and must have taken the ACT, SAT, or PLAN prior to enrolling in the program (the COMPASS test cannot be administered to determine eligibility for this program). The PLAN will be used if the ACT or SAT has never been taken and the same ACT scores will be required on the PLAN. 

Students must also meet the following minimum credentials: 

• Minimum composite ACT score of 19 or equivalent SAT score 
• Minimum English ACT subscore of 18 (if taking English) 
• Minimum Math ACT subscore of 19 (if taking Math) 
• Minimum admissions index score of 100 (30 times the cumulative high school GPA [4.0 scale] plus the ACT score) or 
• Successful completion of at least seven (7) of the required high school units. 

Students will be required to pay applicable tuition and fees for each course.  To assist in defraying the cost of tuition and fees, students enrolling in a course for which college and high school credit will be earned are eligible for the dual lottery scholarship, which provides $100 per semester credit, up to $300 per term and $600 per academic year.  The application can be found at https://www.tn.gov/collegepays.

Re-Admission 

1. Students who leave the University voluntarily and who do not enroll for courses during one or more regular semesters must submit an application for readmission to the university. Summer is not considered a regular semester in determining absence from the University. 
2. Students who return to TSU after attending other colleges or universities must submit an application for readmission and a transcript from all institutions attended since leaving TSU. Applicants in this category need a grade point average equal to TSU’s retention standards when all courses attempted at all colleges are combined. 
3. Re-enrollees who wish to attend TSU after being suspended should follow items 1 and 2 above as well as the following: 
   1. Students who receive their first suspension at the end of the fall semester may not register at TSU until the following summer. 
   2. Students receiving their first suspension at the end of the spring semester will not be eligible to re-enroll until the following spring semester. 
   3. Students receiving their first suspension at the end of the summer session will not be eligible to re-enroll until the following spring semester. 
   4. Students who attend another accredited institution during their suspension from TSU and raise their cumulative GPA to meet TSU’s retention standards will be allowed to re-enroll at TSU. 
4. In determining retention and re-enrollment, Summer I and Summer II grades will be as one term. 

Transfer Students 

All students seeking advanced standing must submit official transcripts of all college credit earned. A student will be considered a transfer student if any college work has been taken at another institution. 

All transfer applicants must: 

1. Submit two official transcripts from each college/university attended. 
2. Submit an official ACCUPLACER report, if applicable. 
3. Have a GPA (based on all courses attempted at Tennessee Board of Regents colleges/universities) equal to TSU’s retention standards. 
4. Have a minimum 2.00 GPA, for out-of-state college/university. 
5. Take the ACCUPLACER subtest in Mathematics and/or English if the ACT (Enhanced) subscore(s) in the subject(s) is not acceptable or if college credit has not been earned in English and/or Mathematics. Transfer students with 60 or more hours of transfer credit are exempt from University Orientation if they have not attempted Math and/or English. 
6. Students who have taken remedial and/or developmental courses at a non-TBR institution must undergo ACCUPLACER assessment. However, if they transfer remedial and/or developmental course work which is equivalent to that offered at the University, the course(s) for which the transfer course is equivalent will be waived. Remedial and developmental courses transferred from other TBR institutions are automatically accepted. 

To qualify for admission by transfer from a Tennessee Board of Regents community college or university in the State of Tennessee, a student must meet the following grade-point average requirements: 

To qualify for admission by transfer from an out-of-state college or university, a student must have, as a minimum, an overall 2.00 grade-point average. The 2.0 GPA also applies to in-state colleges/universities. Credits earned by students who are Tennessee residents attending TBR community colleges and other state universities in Tennessee will be accepted toward degree programs on the same basis as work taken on the campus of Tennessee State University.

The Transfer Evaluation Process

The Office of the Registrar at Tennessee State University evaluates transfer credits for students who clear TSU admission criteria, and who have declared a major. Transfer evaluations will not be completed for students with an admission status of transient or special. The complete files of students that have cleared the transfer admissions process will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. Each file is processed individually, reviewing institutional catalogs and conferring with the Academic Departments for specific course equivalencies. 

Tennessee State University accepts transfer credit from institutions of higher learning based upon the following considerations: 

1. The educational quality of the institution from which the student transfers; 
2. The comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned to that offered by TSU and 
3. The appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the programs offered by TSU in light of the student’s educational goals. 

All transfer Hours Attempted, Hours Earned, Quality Points, and Grade Point averages earned at other colleges and universities are included in the TSU academic record. When posting transfer courses to the TSU record, all transfer courses are converted to TSU’s grading scale and repeat policy. If the previous institution uses a different symbol such as X or Y or any other alpha character or symbol, but the meaning is the same as I, F, at TSU, it will be treated the same and calculated in the GPA. 

Students may earn college credit with grades of “P” for acceptable scores from non-traditional credit: 

• Advanced Placement 
• CLEP 
• DSST 
• Military Service 

Under normal circumstances, Tennessee State University does not accept credit from non-regionally accredited institutions of higher learning and students may be asked to provide information to determine the comparability of content and level of credit presented as transfer to that credit offered by TSU.  Petition may be made by submitting the Application for Acceptance of Transfer Credit Form available in the Registrar’s Office.  Credit may be awarded only after review and approval by the appropriate academic department chair of the academic department in which the course is taught and approval of the academic dean of the college in which the course is taught.  The application must be completed during the first term at Tennessee State University. For more information on the awarding of college credit for work experience, certifications/training, military and other, see the section on Prior Learning Assessment. 

Students who feel that they are competent in certain subject areas are encouraged to earn credit through a nationally recognized credit-by-examination program or through departmental credit-by-examination programs at TSU. 

NOTE: All universities and community colleges in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system share a common set of minimum requirements for baccalaureate degrees or associate degrees designed for transfer. 

NOTE: TSU honors the completion of DSP requirements from any TBR institution regardless of credit hours assigned individual courses or interventions used to complete the DSP requirements. Successful completion of DSP requirements from non-TBR institutions is demonstrated through ACCUIPLACER testing. 

Reverse Transfer 

Tennessee Reverse Transfer is a process that allows early transfer students to combine their four-year college credits with community college credits to receive an associate degree. Students must have attended a Tennessee community college and be enrolled in a participating Tennessee four-year institution. For more information, contact the Office of Student Support Services for Adult and Distance Learners at (615) 963-7001/adultstudentsupport@tnstate.edu  or the Office of Community College Initiatives at (615) 963-1845 / transfer@tnstate.edu.  

Faculty Advising 

You are encouraged to obtain faculty advising with regard to your degree plan prior to your first term at TSU and then each term thereafter. This will ensure that you do not enroll in the wrong courses or take them in the wrong order. By the end of your sophomore year, you should work with your advisor to fill out a “Program of Study Form” which details the courses you have completed and those yet to be completed for your major. 

To obtain a faculty advisor, contact the department where you intend to major. 

Transfers with Associate Degrees

If a transfer student has earned an associate degree, the student must meet the following general education requirements: 

1. 9 quarter or 6 semester hours of English composition (must earn a grade of “C” or better) 
2. 12 quarter or 9 semester hours of humanities ( to include at least 6 quarter or semester hours of literature) 
3. 9 quarter or 6 semester hours of American or Tennessee History 
4. 12 quarter or 8 semester hours of natural/physical sciences with labs 
5. 6 quarter or 3 semester hours of mathematics 
6. 9 quarter or 6 semester hours of social and behavioral sciences 
7. 6 quarter or 3 semester hours of oral communication 

Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Common Catalog Statement Regarding General Education 

Effective Fall Semester 2004, all institutions in the State University and Community College System of Tennessee (the Tennessee Board of Regents System) will share a common lower-division freshman and sophomore general education core curriculum of forty-one (41) semester hours for baccalaureate degrees and the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degree. 

The courses composing the general education curriculum are contained within the following subject categories: 

Baccalaureate Degrees* 

*Foreign language courses are an additional requirement for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.A. degree requires proficiency in a foreign language equivalent to completion of two years of college-level work. 

Courses designated to fulfill general education requirements by Tennessee State University are published in the Undergraduate Catalog. A complete listing of the courses fulfilling general education requirements for all TBR institutions is available on the website (www.tbr.state.tn.us) under Transfer and Articulation Information. 

All other students seeking advanced standing will be admitted to Tennessee State University provided they meet the minimum requirement of a 2.00 grade-point average. All transfer grades will be used in computing the average required for admission. Students transferring from a junior or community college must complete an additional minimum of 60 hours credit for the bachelor’s degree at TSU. Furthermore, any student dismissed from a college or university for academic reasons must be eligible to re-enter that institution prior to acceptance at TSU. 

Credit earned at other colleges and universities (accredited/non-accredited) will be assigned by the Office of Admissions once the student is admitted. The University does not grant upper division credit (3000-4000 level courses) for lower division work transferred from community or junior colleges. In addition, no upper division credit will be granted for any lower division credit transferred from any other university or college; any exceptions to this particular provision must be approved by the Office of Admissions and Records and the appropriate department chair. 

The Records Office will provide all transfer students an equivalency evaluation of all transfer credit during the first semester of enrollment at the University. All transfer credits from institutions not on the semester system will be converted to semester credits. Cumulative averages are computed on the basis of A equals 4 quality points for each credit hour. 

Specific questions regarding transfer credit should be addressed to the Records Office and the appropriate department chair. 

Transient Students

A transient student is one who is regularly enrolled in another college or university and who desires admission for a limited period, usually one semester. The transient student is required to submit a regular application for admission and to furnish an official transcript and a letter of good standing from the college or university Registrar’s Office in which he/she is enrolled. The transient student who wishes to become a regular student must file an appropriate application and meet the same requirements for admission as a transfer student. 

Transient students who have taken the ACCUPLACER at other TBR institutions and who have not yet completed required courses must abide by test placement results. 

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Tennessee State University (TSU) recognizes that students have diverse learning, life, and professional experiences, The University provides opportunities for students to earn college credit towards a degree through a number of assessment options that evaluate their life, work, and learning experiences. These paths are grouped under the category “Prior Learning Assessment” (PLA). PLA represent nationally recognized methods of consideration that save students from having to take courses in subjects they already understand. TSU has four major PLA categories: Credit by Examination, Credit Recommendation for Past Training, StraighterLine, and Portfolio Based Assessment. 

PLA credits are applied towards the student’s degree program as applicable. According to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Guideline A-030 l:H-4,”credit based on PLA at another TBR institution will be accepted in transfer and applied toward the student’s degree in the same way that any other type of transfer credit is accepted.” At Tennessee State University, students can earn 60 semester hours for a Bachelor’s Degree and 30 semester hours for an Associate’s Degree. In all cases, a student must earn 25% of hours required for a degree in institution delivered by the institution awarding the credential. PLA credit will not count toward this 25% minimum.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy and Procedures for Implementation and the PLA Handbook may be reviewed at http://www.tnstate.edu/atadistance/prior_learning_assessment-newhome.aspx.

Contact the Office of Student Support Services at www.adultstudentsupport.edu or 615-963-7001 for more information. 

1. Credit By Examination

 Students who are eligible may earn college credit through Advance Placement (AP), American College Testing (ACT), Cambridge International Examination, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Excelsior’s Exam Programs, International Baccalaureate Program (IB), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and Thomas Edison College Exam Program (TECEP).  A student is awarded a letter grade of “P” for credit received. the credits are applied towards the student’s degree program as applicable. According to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Guideline A-030 l:H-4, “credit based on PLA at another TBR institution will be accepted in transfer and applied toward the student’s degree in the same way that any other type of transfer credit is accepted.” At Tennessee State University, students can earn 60 semester hours for a Bachelor’s Degree and 30 semester hours for an Associate’s Degree. In all cases, a student must earn 25% of hours required for a degree in institution delivered by the institution awarding the credential. PLA credit will not count toward this 25% minimum.

Academic credit attained through standardized examinations will be given to TSU students provided:

1. Scores are equal to or greater than the required minimum score shown in the accompanying Credit by Standard Examination tables.
2. Standardized and departmental-generated examinations do not duplicate any college credit counted for admission.
3. Credit earned through standardized examinations will be entered on the student’s permanent record, but will not be computed in the grade point average.
4. A maximum of 60 semester hours for a Bachelor’s Degree may be gained through a combination of standardized and departmental generated examinations for credit.
5. These examinations may not be taken to repeat course work or to remove a grade of “F” or “I”.
6. Certain exams earn credit for two TSU courses; students who already earned credit for one of the two courses with a grade of “C” or above are eligible to take the CLEP exam to earn credit for the second course.
7. Examinations for credit may not be used for: 
   1. research or independent study courses, 
   2. any course work from which the student has been exempted 
   3. repeating of courses 
   4. removal of deficiency grades 
   5. any course in which the student is currently enrolled 
   6. any course which the student attempted or was enrolled in for four or more weeks prior to withdrawal 
8. The examination must be completed and the recorded results must be received by the Office of Admissions and Records according to the following schedule:

1. Regular semester (prior to the end of the 9^th week of classes)
2. Summer Sessions l & ll (prior to the end of the 3^rd week of classes

(a) American College Testing (ACT)

The University will award credit to entering freshmen based upon standard scores on the English section of the Enhanced ACT. Official copies of the examination score must be submitted by ACT (www.act.org) to the Office of Admissions. Refer to the following chart for credits awarded.

(b) Advanced Placement (AP)

The University will award advance standing to entering freshmen based upon Advanced Placement Examination results. Scores 3 to 5 will be awarded appropriate credit official copies of the Examination scores must be submitted by the College Board (www.Collegeboard.org) to the Office of Admissions and Records. Refer to the following list for credits awarded:

(c) Cambridge International Examinations (AICE)

The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) offers students the opportunity to participate in college-level courses and to received college credit/ Official copies of the examination scores must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Charted below are the AIC exams accepted by TSU for credit.

(d) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board

Students may earn college credit for the following examinations administered by CLEP. Official copies of the examination scores must be submitted by the College Board (www.collegeboard.org) to the Office of Admissions and Records. Refer to the following chart for credits awarded:

4.  Portfolio Based Assessment

Students who are seeking degrees may be granted credit in their major college for level knowledge and understanding gained from work experience, life experience, or non-college instruction. This method of PLA requires a student to enroll in a TSU six week course, INDS 1000 yielding three (3) semester credit hours which provides instruction on adult learning theory and how to build a portfolio documenting learning from life and work experience. Currently, Tennessee State University uses Learning Counts/Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to assist students with the preparation of a portfolio. Completed portfolios are assessed by CAEL expert faculty in a given discipline to determine if college-level credit will be granted. A student is awarded a grade of pass/fail that will be reflected on the official TSU transcript as a credit for a specified course. 

For more information concerning these programs, a student may contact the Prior Leaning Assessment Advisor in the academic department, or the Prior Learning contact in the Office of Student Support Services for Adult and Distance Learners at (615) 963-7001 or email adult studentsupport@tnstate.edu. Students with military experience should contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Office of Admission and Records.

Special Student (Audit)

Any person who is 18 years of age or older and wishes to take a course but receive no credit (audit) may do so by applying at the Admissions Office. Regular registration fees will be charged for auditing courses. Registration is on a space available basis. Students cannot audit developmental courses.

60-Year-Old/Disabled (Audit) Student

Applicants who are 60 years old or older or permanently and totally disabled (T.C.A., Section 49-3251), and domiciled in Tennessee are required to pay the $15 application fee but are not required to pay registration fees if they audit courses. Proof of age or disability is required (proof of disability is required annually). Registration is on a space-available basis. Regular registration fees will be charged for credit courses.

65-Year-Old/Disabled Credit Student

Persons 65 years of age or older or permanently and totally disabled persons (T.C.A., Section 49-3251) who are domiciled in Tennessee may register for classes on a space-available basis for credit, paying a minimum registration fee. The cost is one-half the semester hour rate up to a maximum of $75. An application fee of $15 is required. The applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, and the applicant must submit proof of age or disability (proof of disability is required annually).

International Students

International students with superior scholastic records are considered for admission as freshmen and as transfer students. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit a test score of 500 as the minimum acceptance level of performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, (TOEFL) or 80% on The Michigan Test. Students who have ACT/SAT equivalent scores will be placed according to these scores. Students who have not had college-level English and/or Math must undergo ACCUPLACER  testing. Applicant must:

1. Submit requested information at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester of enrollment.

2. Submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) scores.

3. Submit a Notarized Affidavit of support and bank statement. These documents must not be older than six (6) months prior to desired semester of enrollment.

4. Submit official transcripts from each educational institution and examination certificate (0 levels).

5. Proof of a current physical examination.

6. Submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended in the United States.

7. Copies of Visa and Alien Registration card.

8. Take the ACT/SAT test.

If complete documents are not on file by this deadline, the application will be considered for the next scheduled registration period. The application must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $25.

New Student Orientation and First-Year Students

All new students are required to participate in new student orientation programs and activities held prior to enrollment in the university.  New student orientation sessions are offered to first-time students entering in the fall and spring semesters.  New student orientation programs are designed to facilitate the transition of new students into the university and to acclimate new students to the campus community by providing opportunities that promote student learning and development. New student orientation programs prepare new students for university life by offering sessions on financial aid, campus technology, academic advisement, and registration.

Other new student orientation programs and activities include New Student Convocation, which is a ceremony that celebrates the entry of new students into the university, and Welcome Week, which provides additional opportunities for students to obtain information about academic and student support services, establish relationships with faculty, staff, and students, and become familiar with the campus. First-year student programs support the progression and retention of new students through various initiatives and programs that address both academic and social adjustment issues.

Educational Consortium TSU/MTSU

Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University have joined in an educational consortium to provide advantages available to undergraduate students enrolled at each institution. The procedures for TSU students seeking to register for MTSU courses are as follows:

1. Obtain advisement and approval from the academic department.
2. Obtain an “Agreement for Admission and Registration” form from TSU Records Office.
3. Complete top of the form.
4. Have form approved and signed by the Records Office.
5. Register at TSU for TSU courses, pay fees.
6. Present form to Admissions and Records personnel at MTSU.
7. Register for courses at MTSU and present TSU receipt, pay additional fees to MTSU, if any.

Information for Veterans and Dependents

If you are an honorably discharged veteran, military reservist, National Guard member, or active duty service member, the training you received in the military can generally translate to major and elective credit towards your degree.

Tennessee State University is committed to helping veterans and current military personnel take full advantage of their eligible benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov. 

Students seeking Veteran Affairs educational benefits should contact the Office of Veterans Services at http://www.tnstate.edu/atadistance/veterans.aspx. Veterans may also contact the PLA Coordinator in the Office of Student Support Services for Adult and Distance Learners for more information. Submit Form DD-214, official transcripts, and other official documentation to the Tennessee State University Records Office.

To obtain military training records, please see the service/ branch transcript request information below:

Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard
https://jst.doded.mil/smart/welcome.do

Air Force
CCAF/DESS
100 S. Turner Blvd.
Maxwell AFB, AL 36114

Community College of the Air Force Transcript

Cross-Town Enrollment in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps

Educational institutions within Nashville and the surrounding area having a Cross-town Agreement with Tennessee State University may allow their students to enroll in the university’s AFROTC Program. These students are eligible to receive all benefits, privileges, and scholarships as fully enrolled TSU students. At present, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Fisk University, David Lipscomb College, Western Kentucky, Trevecca Nazarene College, Belmont College, Volunteer State Community College,  Meharry Medical College, and Aquinas Junior College have such agreements with the University.

Immunization Requirements

The State of Tennessee as of July 1, 1998, requires students entering and returning to colleges and universities to provide proof of two doses of immunization with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines administered on or after the first year of birth. Students will not be allowed to register for courses until immunization forms are filed in the TSU Student Health Services department. If additional information is desired contact Health Services at (615) 963-5291 or studenthealthservices@tnstate.edu.  The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private postsecondary institution in the state provide information concerning hepatitis B infection to all students entering the institution for the first time.  Those students who will be living in campus housing must also be informed about the risk of meningococcal meningitis infection.  Tennessee law requires that students complete and sign a waiver form provided by the institution of Disease Control and the American College Health Association.  The law does not require that students receive vaccination for enrollment; however, requires students to provide a signed copy of the waiver form to TSU Student Health Services, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., P.O. Box 9528, Nashville, TN 37209-1561 or fax to (615) 963-5084.

Residency Classification

The Admissions Office is charged with the determination of a student’s residency status for fee-paying purposes and as the basis for some University admission requirements. Classification is determined by information submitted on the admission application and/or application for re-classification. Notification in writing is made soon after the student applies for re-classification. The deadline dates are:

Summer Session                              April 1

Fall Semester                                  July 1

Spring Semester                              November 1

Students seeking a change in residency based on the “Work Rule” must:

1. Complete the Change in Residency Application.
2. Submit required documentation as outlined in the Residency Application.
3. Submit most recent copy or copies of check stubs.
4. Have a letter of verification relative to work status (full-time/part-time) forwarded on official letterhead by employer.

Students seeking a change in permanent residency must:

1. Complete the Change in Residency Application.
2. Submit required documentation as outlined in the Residency Application.
3. Submit copy of income taxes and proof of full-time employment in TN for at least 1 year prior to enrollment

All decisions are based on regulations established by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, with the intent that all Tennessee public institutions of higher education apply uniform classification rules. Should a student be denied in-state classification, the student has the right of appeal. The appeal steps are:

1.  Director of Admissions

2.  Vice President of Enrollment Management

3.  President of the University

4.  Tennessee State University Board of Trustees

Academic Fresh Start

The Academic Fresh Start Program allows eligible students whose academic performance was unsatisfactory during earlier college attendance to disregard grades earned. A student who has not attended any institution of higher education for the past four years is eligible to participate in Academic Fresh Start.

The student’s permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, courses taken and previously failed will be excluded from the calculation of the Grade Point Average (GPA). Courses with a D grade will also be excluded from the calculation when a grade of “C” or better is required in the student’s current major. GPA and credit hours will reflect courses for which passing grades were earned and retained.

Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at the institution when they are required for the student’s current major. All remaining courses for the current degree objectives must be completed at Tennessee State University.

It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to the process and to submit the required Fresh Start Application. A student may be granted Fresh Start only once.

To Qualify for Academic Fresh Start, the student must:

• Meet the institution’s admissions policy.
• Have been separated from all collegiate institutions for at least four (4) years at the same time of admission or readmission to the University.
• File a formal application with the Tennessee State University Office of the Registrar (this application may be submitted any time after admission or readmission as a degree-seeking student).
• Submit official college transcripts from institutions attended other than Tennessee State University.
• Have not earned an undergraduate degree (Associate or Bachelor).
• Must enroll at Tennessee State University and remain enrolled through the 14th day of classes before Academic Fresh Start can be applied to the student’s academic record. 
• This policy is independent of financial regulations. All coursework will still count in the financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) calculation. Financial aid requirements at the time of the application will apply.