AdmissionsOS Tennessee State University vs The University of Tennessee-Martin
| Tennessee State University | The University of Tennessee-Martin | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate lower = more selective | 70% | 88% |
| SAT range (mid 50%) | 880-1,050 | 970-1,210 |
| ACT range (mid 50%) | 16-21 | 19-25 |
| Average net price what students actually pay after aid | $15,796 | $10,701 |
| Sticker cost of attendance | $25,637 | $23,079 |
| Graduation rate | 34% | 53% |
| Retention rate | 34% | 77% |
| Undergraduates | 4,848 | 4,866 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13:1 | 16:1 |
| Setting | Nashville, TN | Martin, TN |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Application fee | $25 | $40 |
| Test policy | Required | Required |
Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Compare these in the interactive toolCommon questions
Is Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Martin harder to get into?
Tennessee State University is more selective, with a 70% acceptance rate versus 88% at The University of Tennessee-Martin. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.
Which is cheaper, Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Martin?
The University of Tennessee-Martin has the lower average net price ($10,701 versus $15,796). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.