TSU Admission Requirements
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TSU Admission Overview
TSU admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year TSU admitted 96.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.0 GPA (B) and SAT 800-1000 / ACT 15-19. TSU is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
TSU is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
TSU Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for Texas Southern University
Acceptance Rate
The TSU acceptance rate is 96.9%. Last year, 9,101 of 9,391 applicants were admitted. That is the 66th lowest acceptance rate in Texas.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into TSU and can you get accepted?
TSU is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Texas Southern University typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.0. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
TSU GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.0Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
BAverage GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.0
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at TSU typically have around a 3.0 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. TSU is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #62 in Texas for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.0 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
TSU Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Texas Southern University is test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026-27 admissions cycle. Official SAT or ACT scores are requested only if they are required for your path; you can qualify for unconditional admission with a 2.50 unweighted high school GPA without sending scores, or with a minimum ACT of 17 or SAT of 900. Students in the top 25% of their class with a GPA above 2.50 are automatically admitted. Home-schooled and GED applicants are reviewed individually and must meet the ACT 17 or SAT 900 minimum.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://tsu.edu/admissions/freshman.php
TSU SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
800-1000Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
37%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 420
- Math 380
- Composite 800
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 520
- Math 480
- Composite 1000
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at TSU typically score around a 900 SAT (middle 50% 800–1000) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 22nd percentile nationally. TSU ranks #66 in the state of Texas for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 800 to 1000
SAT policy
TSU is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 900 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
TSU ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
15-19Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
14%25th Percentile Scores
- English 13
- Math 15
- Composite 15
75th Percentile Scores
- English 19
- Math 17
- Composite 19
Average ACT
Incoming testers at TSU typically have around a 17 ACT (mid-50 15–19) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 31st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. TSU places #60 among colleges in Texas for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 15 to 19
ACT policy
You may apply to TSU without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 17.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
55% of Texas Southern University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 20% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the TSU chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Texas Southern University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Jul 15, 2027Days left to Apply
318Applicants have 318 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jul 15, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Texas Southern University is $42.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
TSU is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 96.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.0 GPA (about an B average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (800-1000); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Texas Southern University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=229063.
GPA calculator: Texas Southern University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026