Title III Programs
Serving Tennessee State University
Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is a federally funded program designed to support the infrastructure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other institutions serving a high percentage of needy students. Tennessee State University receives over $4 million annually to strengthen various academic programs, administrative operations, and student services. In addition, it receives over $2 million to support graduate programs.
Tennessee State University receives the following 3 grants: FUTURE, HBGI, and HBCU.
- The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (F.U.T.U.R.E) Act is the first large scale attempt at assisting first-generation TSU students from matriculation (first-year) to degree completion date and beyond. In 2019, The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to fund historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions, simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and eliminate paperwork for income-driven student loan repayment plans. Tennessee State University received a portion of this funding to initiate a project that addresses the retention, persistence, and graduation needs of all first-generation students.
- The Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGI) Program will impact graduate students pursuing related careers in STEM fields. This program aims to elevate graduate education and research at Tennessee State University through interconnected initiatives. By investing in graduate assistantships, research supplies, research-related travel, wellness and mental health counseling, and comprehensive student support services, this program will empower its graduate student population to excel academically, engage with the broader scholarly community, and grow into well-rounded leaders who make lasting contributions to their respective fields.
- The Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program at Tennessee State University aims to enhance student success, academic quality, and institutional effectiveness through targeted initiatives. These include expanding access to academic resources, improving advising and tutoring services, supporting faculty and staff development, and integrating technology and global perspectives into teaching and learning. By aligning these efforts with strategic goals, the program promotes student retention, career readiness, and continuous institutional improvement.
The university is funded by the U.S. Department of Education in five-year cycles. Annual funding is based on a Phase I Report indicating the number of graduates, the number of Pell grant recipients, and the number of students attending graduate or professional school.
