CASE FOR SUPPORT
Tennessee State University is considered one of the country’s “best buys.” Armed with talented faculty and sound academic programs, Tennessee State University offers students an outstanding education at an affordable rate. This balance is essential for the University because it attracts many first generation college students. Statistics show that first generation students at four year colleges are twice as likely to leave after the first year.
Following the national trend, more
Tennessee State University students are requiring assistance from the
University to cover their unmet financial needs. While the current
pool for student scholarships totals $1 million, an annual pool of $7
million is needed to meet the demand. A pool of this size will allow
the University to offer scholarships to an additional 650 students per year.
For the 2008-09 academic year, tuition, fees, room and board will total
$14,506 for instate students and $22,782 for out-of-state students.
Tennessee State University students are relying heavily on loans to finance
their education. The net impact of this borrowing is that 51% of
Tennessee State University students are graduating with long-term debt
obligations estimated at $45,000 per student.
One of our goals as an institution is to produce graduates who make a difference in their communities and abroad. Tennessee State University graduates have made a significant impact in each facet of the global market. From pioneers such as cardiac surgeon Dr. Levi Watkins to philanthropist Xernona Clayton, gifts to the annual fund afford Tennessee State University indispensable resources to continue cultivating rising leaders.
Tennessee State University is at the fore front in research. Research is the core aspect of America’s competitiveness, and Tennessee State University has embraced research in its mission for the community, the nation and abroad. Tennessee State University researchers discovered the first planet outside our known solar system. More recently, the University was the recipient of 250 acres of land for the creation of the TSU Research Park and Center for Sustainable Agriculture. These initiatives will open doors to TSU students with industry leading companies, and define the University as a competitive force in the region.
The annual fund is the building block which makes it possible for the University to mold brilliant young minds and explore uncharted territory. It is on the students’ behalf that we implore you to support the annual fund.
