Top Colleges in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee is home to a large number of public and private higher education institutions located throughout the state. Larger colleges and universities are typically located in the state’s capital, Nashville, and its largest cities, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, with Memphis and Nashville having significantly higher populations. The state is bordered by Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west. Given the shape of the state, most individuals will be near the border to one or more of these states, allowing for ease of travel and exploration when not studying.

Public institutions in Tennessee are part of one of two systems. The first, the Tennessee Board of Regents, is comprised of six universities, thirteen community colleges, and 27 learning centers throughout the state. The system was formed in 1972, and is currently the sixth largest system of education in the United States. The second system is the University of Tennessee, which operates three primary campuses, two secondary campuses, and a large number of learning annexes throughout the state. The system was formed 1969 and expanded thereafter, though the oldest school in the system, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, dates to 1794.

Private schools in the state are typically liberal arts colleges, providing a unique curriculum of study and allowing for the exploration of interests by students. Such schools also tend to have been founded within a religious context and many maintain ties to the denomination that assisted in their foundation. Private schools tend to have higher tuition costs due to a lack of public funding, smaller class sizes, and excellent student to teacher ratios allowing for a more personal educational experience. Such schools also tend to maintain programs and internship opportunities with sponsors and partners, and a small enrollment means greater opportunity.

Tennessee is also home to a large number of private two year colleges, career schools and community colleges. These schools primarily offer career training and technical training for individuals seeking to enter the workforce. Private schools and colleges often are more expensive and limited in their offerings to specific, often high demand, fields. Programs normally take up to a year to complete, but can be as long as two, and are designed with the intention of immediate employment after graduation. Community colleges provide the above as well as transfer opportunities to four year institutions to pursue higher degrees of education.

The most populous city in Tennessee is Memphis, followed by Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.  While the most populous county in Tennessee is Shelby County with Davidson County close behind.   If you are interested in visiting the state of Tennessee, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.

2024 Best Colleges in Tennessee


Acceptance Rate

93.38

Tuition

$15,840.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

35:1


Vanderbilt University is a nonprofit private institution that has many degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Nashville, TN, in a predominantly urban area. Vanderbilt University has a yearly student enrollment of over 13,000.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs VU offers:

  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions

To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 2050 to 2310 for the SAT exam and between 31 to 34 for the ACT exam is typical among students accepted to VU. Admission to this school is considered highly competitive, with only 20 percent of applicants being admitted per year. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $45,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Student housing is available for students, and generally costs around $9,700 each year. Vanderbilt University may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of grants and loans.

The mascot for Vanderbilt University is the "Commodores", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)

Students may visit the Vanderbilt University website to get a complete list of areas of study, student services, and more that is available at this school.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1


Rhodes College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, which is a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Rhodes College is nearly 1,700 annually.

Students can select from several areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • English Language And Literature
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology

Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. The most common exam scores among applicants admitted to this school are within the range of 26 to 31 on the ACT, or 1770 to 2060 on the SAT exam. 50% of students that apply are admitted to Rhodes College, of which 21% choose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $40,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. Some students at Rhodes College may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for Rhodes College is the "Lynx", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)

Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.rhodes.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


Sewanee - The University of the South is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Sewanee, Tennessee, which is a predominantly rural area. The school maintains a Protestant Episcopal Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Sewanee - The University of the South has an annual student enrollment of over a thousand.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • English Language And Literature
  • Psychology
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Theology And Religious Vocations
  • History

Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Either the SAT or ACT exam can be taken in order to apply to Sewanee - The University of the South. Scores between 26 to 30 on the ACT or 1700 to 2000 on the SAT are required to greatly increase the chance of admission. Roughly 60% of all applicant were admitted at Sewanee - The University of the South, with 24% of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at admission.sewanee.edu.

The cost of tuition is nearly $36,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is estimated to be $5,300. Some students at Sewanee - The University of the South may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.

Sewanee - The University of the South offers several athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)

To see a full list of areas of study, programs, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.sewanee.edu.

Acceptance Rate

66.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


North Central Institute is a two year career college dedicated to providing a sound education for students located in and around Clarksville. In the previous year, over 230 students were awarded degrees with around 64% of students who start the program continue it to completion. North Central Institute offers several programs to select from. The more popular enrolled programs are shown below:

  • Aircraft Powerplant Technology
  • Avionics Maintenance Technology
  • Aircraft Mechanic

To help students and recent graduates, North Central Institute may provide some services to students like:

  • Weekend and night classes available
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Student employment
  • Helping students find work after graduation

The Council on Occupational Education has accredited the program courses of North Central Institute for over twenty-one straight years. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see admissions information, tuition, and disclosures.

Enrollment

61

Tuition

$17,802.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


Union University is a nonprofit private college that has a fair number of majors and degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Jackson, Tennessee, in a predominantly urban area. The Southern Baptist affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Union University has a yearly student enrollment of around four thousand.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Education
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies

The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1040 - 1320 on the SAT and within the range of 23 - 28 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to this school. Approximately 80% of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 35% of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may check the school's price of attendance calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. On-campus housing is available for students and costs about $7,500 each year. Students at this school may qualify for aid which is usually loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for Union University is the "Bulldogs", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NAIA. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NAIA Division I)
  • Basketball (NAIA Division I)
  • Golf (NAIA Division I)
  • Soccer (NAIA Division I)

Students may visit the school's http://www.uu.edu to see additional information.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


History

Nossi College of Art was founded by Nossi Vatandoost with the intention of imparting quality art education to aspiring students. The college is located in Nashville, Tennessee and operates from a brand new state of the art facility completed in 2010. Nossi College of Art prides itself on maintaining a very hands-on approach to education, with administrators as well as teachers being active in student development and growth.

Academics

Nossi College of Art offers associates and bachelor's programs in multiple art disciplines. The goal of the college is to provide all the skills necessary to allow for commercial success of the students. To this end Nossi employs qualified faculty, has up to date labs and facilities, works in reduced class sizes and assists in career searches post graduation.

Programs offered include:

  • Graphic Art and Design
  • Photography
  • Illustration
  • Video

Admissions and Financial Aid

Those wishing to apply to Nossi College of Art must be high school graduates or have a GED, visit the campus, interview with a representative of a school, and present a portfolio if they are entering the graphic design or illustration programs.

Nossi guarantees that its tuition will not change from year to year for enrolled students, and offers financial aid services through its Financial Aid Office. Students interested in obtaining financial aid should visit a counselor in the FA Office as well as fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Acceptance Rate

50.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1


The University of Tennessee (UT) is considered a "research-intensive" institution of higher learning that promotes excellent education, research and public service.  The university co-manages the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Department of Energy's largest science and Energy lab.

UT was ranked 47th among public universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. The University of Tennessee's nuclear engineering, social work, and supply chain management and logistics programs rank particularly high.

UT offers more than 300 academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.  It is situation on a large, 560-acre campus that is known for its green spaces, nearby lakes and views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The UT brings many research dollars to the state of Tennessee and prides itself on sharing the collective expertise, creativity and cutting-edge research of its faculty and student body with the local communities.

History

The University of Tennessee was founded in Knoxville in 1794 as Blount College, two years before Tennessee became a state.  The school changed names a few times, becoming the University of Tennessee in 1879.  Initially an all-male college, the first women were admitted as students in 1892.  The university had to close during the Civil War, and its buildings were used by the Confederate army, and later the Union army.  It reopened after the war, becoming a federal land-grant institution.  The UT has continued to grow since then, expanding its program offerings through the years.

Traditions

The University of Tennessee is rich with traditions, and the two most notable traditions are worth mentioning.  The school colors of orange and white, chosen for the orange and white daisies that grew on campus.  Part of the original campus is known as "The Hill," the rising bank above the north short of the Tennessee River, on which Ayres Hall stands.  Ayres Hall was built in 1919.

Academics

The University of Tennessee's academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summers semesters, and a shorter "mini-term" that runs from early May until early June.

Colleges and Schools

  • Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Design
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Communication and Information
  • Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Graduate School
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Space Institute
  • Veterinary Medicine

The University of Tennessee also has institutes of Agriculture, Public Service and Space.

Student Life

The University of Tennessee offers many programs and resources to its students, including undergraduate advising, outreach and continuing education, honors programs, distinguished fellowship programs, a student success center, a teaching and learning center, and more.

The UT Knoxville campus offers 12 residential housing options for students.  There are also many dining options on campus.

Students at UT have more than 300 student clubs and organizations to choose from, including service groups, academic clubs, and professional organizations, those focused on politics, religion, sports or other interests.

Fraternities and Sororities

There are more than 26 fraternities and 17 sororities available at the University of Tennessee.  The Dean of Students Office has more information about how to become involved.

Athletics

The UT athletics division has 20 men's and women's varsity teams that compete in intercollegiate sports.  The "Vols" and "Lady Vols" have won many athletics championships.  The "Vols" sports teams include:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Rowing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The Knoxville campus is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, which also includes the Chattanooga and Martin campuses, and the UT Health Science Center in Memphis.

Community Life

The University of Tennessee prides itself on being an economic driver in the state.  Its co-management, with Battelle Memorial Institute, of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of its key contributions to and collaborations with the local communities.  Additionally, UT has a top campus environmental effort called "Make Orange Green" that is honored across the state.

Acceptance Rate

78.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1


The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis is part of the Tennessee Technology Center System that provides competitive training to students who wish to have better employment opportunities in highly in demand industries.  The school is accredited with the Council on Occupational Education and has achieved a high completion rate of 65% and licensure rate of 95% among its students.

To meet the vision, mission and goals of the school to provide empowerment to students as well as to the local economy, the school hired experienced faculty members and staffs as well as built state-of-the-art facilities to help promote higher learning to the students. Currently, the school offers fulltime programs, online degrees and industry trainings.

The fulltime programs offered by TTC-Memphis include aircraft mechanics, assistant animal laboratory technology, aviation maintenance, barbering, building construction technology, collision repair, business system technology, graphic design, pharmacy technology, truck driving, welding, dental assisting  and computer information technology. What makes TTC-Memphis great is that offers many unique programs that other TTC campuses do not and this is the reason why many students enroll in this school than other campuses under the system.

The tuition fee in TTC-Memphis is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regent thus it still remained at $184 since last academic year (2012-2013). Since the school is under the network governed by TBR, students who wish to transfer to community colleges and universities to seek higher education can do so without any problems.

Enrollment

902

Tuition

$6,011.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1


CBU provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Memphis, Tennessee and operated as a private institution. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Enrollment at CBU is nearly 1,800 yearly.

Areas of study available at Christian Brothers University include:

  • Education
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Physical Sciences

The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 960 to 1250 on the SAT and within the range of 21 to 26 for the ACT exam is typical among students admitted to CBU. Roughly 50 percent of all students that applied were accepted at CBU, with 33 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $29,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better estimate their cost of attending this school. Christian Brothers University may offer financial aid for students that qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for CBU is the "Buccaneers", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)
  • Soccer (NCAA Division II)

Students can visit the school's http://www.cbu.edu to view additional information.

Acceptance Rate

50.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


Johnson University is an educational institute located in Knoxville, Tennessee that has several academic programs for its students. This school also has a Christian Churches and Churches of Christ affiliation. Johnson University has an enrollment of around 800 students each year. Johnson University offers several programs for students to choose from. The more popular enrolled programs among individuals are listed below:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Elementary Education
  • Marriage and Family Therapy

To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. The majority of students admitted to this school have an SAT score between 940 to 1202, or an ACT score within the range of 20 to 26.

Johnson University also provides student services including daycare assistance for individuals with children and career counseling for students in need of help.

The cost of attendance is nearly $7,100 for graduate students and approximately $11,000 for undergraduate level students yearly. Tuition costs may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing is available and the cost is about $2,800 for the year. This school may help with costs by offering financial assistance for potential students who qualify in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation has accredited the education provided by Johnson University for over forty-four consecutive years. To read more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit johnsonu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


History

Lipscomb University is a 4 year institution located in Nashville, TN. Founded by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding in 1891, the school was founded as a Bible college. Over the next 50 years the school grew, becoming a junior college, and in 1948 a university. Today Lipscomb University offers a liberal arts education along with spiritual guidance. Students of Lipscomb University are prepared spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically for life and eternity.

Academics

Lipscomb University offers undergraduate and graduate programs for a large number of majors. The school was ranked 18th in the US News and World Reports in its 2011 list of America's Best Colleges Regional Universities (South). Lipscomb University is dedicated to the intellectual development of its students as demanded by God.

Some programs available:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to attend Lipscomb University will have to complete and submit the application along with all pertinent information, recommendations, transcripts (high school or college) and ACT or SAT scores and set up an interview with an admissions officer.  After the application has been evaluated along with the interview the student will be notified if he or she has been admitted. Students interested in receiving financial aid should complete and submit the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the financial aid office with any questions they may have.

Athletics

The Lipscomb University Bisons participate in a large number of sports. The school recently entered the NCAA Division 1 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The school has an ongoing rivalry with the nearby Belmont University.

Sports Programs:

  • Basketball
  • Baseball/Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Soccer

Acceptance Rate

63.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1


Lincoln Tech - Your future. Now! Lincoln Tech helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Their in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today's tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Lincoln's Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degree programs are designed to accelerate your entry into the job market by offering a shorter length of training.

Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation. Let us forward your information to Lincoln Tech so they can contact you about their programs. Lincoln Tech campuses are accredited by either the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), depending on campus location. Programs vary by campus.

Enrollment

1,692

Tuition

$32,373.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1


Enrollment

340

Tuition

$13,633.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1


The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - McMinnville first opened its doors in May 1966 as part of the Tennessee Technical Center Systems.  The school offers premier technical education to local students in McMinnville in Tennessee.  Aside from empowering young students to become competitive human resource in the future, TTC-McMinnville also offers training programs to employees who want to improve and update their skills at work.

The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and it is also a member of the Commission of International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. This is to ensure that the programs of the school are offered using professional instructions and are only taught by highly qualified staff to ensure that students undergo rigorous training to become competitive individuals as soon as they graduate from their respective programs.

There are different programs offered in TTC-McMinnville and these include automotive technology, business systems technology, computer information technology, culinary arts, electronics technology, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology, medical assistant, practical nursing, technology foundations and welding technology. Moreover, the school also offers part-time and online programs to students who do not have the liberty to attend to the formal classroom instructions in TTC-McMinnville campus.

As part of the Tennessee Technical Center Systems, TTC-McMinnville is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents thus the tuition fee rate in TTC-McMinnville is also the same with other campuses. Students are required to pay $183 per credit hour as well as other fees per semester. 

On the other hand, students who wish to proceed to a community college or state university to pursue higher education can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway which is partnered by schools such as Columbia State Community College, Dyersburg Community College and the Jackson Community College. 

Enrollment

249

Tuition

$5,248.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1


Abilene Christian University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Abilene, Texas, it resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school's Churches of Christ affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately four thousand students are enrolled annually at Abilene Christian University.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Family And Consumer Sciences
  • Health And Clinical Professions

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then studied by admissions officials. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 995 - 1230 for the SAT exam and in a range of 22 - 28 for the ACT exam is common among students accepted to ACU. 64% of those students that apply are admitted to Abilene Christian University, of which 39% choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

The cost of tuition is approximately $28,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is about $4,000. Some students at ACU may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The ACU "Wildcats" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)

For a complete list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.acu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


Belmont University provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Nashville, Tennessee and operated as a private institution. The Interdenominational affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately 5,900 students are enrolled annually at Belmont University.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Visual And Performing Arts
  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences

The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at Belmont University. A score between 1060 - 1270 on the SAT, or 24 - 29 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. 82% of students that apply are accepted to Belmont University, of which 36% choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at belmont.edu.

The cost of tuition is nearly $27,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should visit the school's tuition calculator to get a better idea of their costs. Housing is available for students, which costs around $5,800 annually. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Belmont University "Bruins" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Sports available may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)

Contact information, financial aid information, programs, and more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.belmont.edu.

Acceptance Rate

83.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1


Lincoln Memorial University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Harrogate, TN and operated as a private institution. Enrollment at LMU exceeds 4,400 annually.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs LMU offers:

  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Recreation And Fitness Studies

The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 915 - 1100 on the SAT and in a range of 20 - 25 for the ACT exam is typical among students admitted to LMU. LMU has an admissions rate of around 65 percent of which only 31 percent chose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at lmunet.edu.

The cost of tuition is around $19,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attending Lincoln Memorial University. Housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is about $4,800. Students attending LMU may qualify for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for LMU is the "Railsplitters", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)
  • Soccer (NCAA Division II)

Contact information, admission forms, programs offered, and more may be viewed on school's website at www.lmunet.edu today.

Acceptance Rate

49.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1


King College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Bristol, Tennessee, which is a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately 1,900 students are enrolled annually at King College.

Students can choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Computer And Information Sciences
  • Education
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology

Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admissions to this school. A score in a range of 1280 - 1600 on the SAT, or 20 - 26 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. An estimated 70% of all students that applied were admitted at King College, with 29% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found at admissions.king.edu.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $26,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attending this school. On-campus housing is available for students and costs about $4,500 each year. Students enrolled at King College may be eligible for aid which is generally scholarships, grants, and loans.

The King College "Tornado" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)
  • Soccer (NCAA Division II)
  • Softball (NCAA Division II)

Contact information, financial aid information, programs offered, and much more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.king.edu.

Acceptance Rate

62.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1


Baptist College of Health Science is "Higher Education with a Higher Purpose"; providing faith-based education in health related careers. Baptist College offers programs in these in-demand programs:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer 
  • Nursing
  • Health Care Management
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Respiratory Care
  • Medical Radiography

BCHS is located in Memphis, Tennessee. BCHS maintains a partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care, a local facility that allows students to get valuable hands-on training and interact with real patients!

Only about 11% of applicants are accepted and meet BCHS's strict standards, in total the small private college enrolls around 1,000 students every year. High school students are given priority as entering freshmen over transfer students and must meet GPA and college admission test standards. Admission requirements into individual major programs vary. Please check http://www.bchs.edu/academics and select your desired program to find out the admission requirements for your major.

BCHS has a comprehensive health center available for students, as well as a fitness center, and mental health counseling. Students are encouraged to visit the chapel and are required to participate in many spiritually related activities. Although BCHS teaches scientific classes, they believe that good practitioners are made from well-rounded individuals.

Acceptance Rate

59.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


Founded in 1964, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Athens serves the counties of Meigs, McMinn, Monroe, Polk and Bradley in the city of Athens in Tennessee. As one of the technical centers strategically scattered in the state, the TTC-Athens is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.  With its basic philosophy to provide opportunity for students to reach a higher station in their lives, TTC-Athens teach individualized instructions to teach students important knowledge and real-life experiences so that they will be able to live productive lives.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Athens offer different types of programs from automotive technology, business systems technology, drafting, HVAC, practical nursing, truck driving and welding. Moreover, the college also offers many supplemental programs based on the demands of different industries. On the other hand, TCT-Athens also offers online courses to students who wish to take certificate programs.

Since 2010, TCTA-Athens hasn’t imposed any tuition fee increase so students still pay the usual amount of $183 per credit hour for basic programs. However, programs with laboratory courses such as electrical engineering and practical nursing have higher tuition fee rates at $100 additional cost due to laboratory fees and equipment.

On the other hand, students who wish to transfer to higher education to complete a four year course can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway. In order for students to have their units credited to other schools, they must seek admission to schools that are accredited in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. 

Enrollment

221

Tuition

$4,296.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1


The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro is one of the 47 institutions that are governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents System.  TTC-Murfreesboro is an AA/EEO school which means that it accepts students from different races, nationality, disability, age, sex and color.  It is located near the airport and the Old Fork Pathway, the TTC-Murfreesboro is very accessible to everyone.

The school is affiliated with different organizations which include the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, American Technical Education Association, Council on Occupational Education, National Vocational-Technical Honor Society and SkillsUSA. This is the reason why TTC-Murfreesboro is dedicated in developing programs that will produce highly competitive graduates in different industries.

Currently, the school offers fulltime and part-time programs to those who wish to earn credits in automotive technology, business systems technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, dental assisting, CAD technology, web development, HVAC technology, industrial electrical maintenance, phlebotomy, practical nursing and surgical technology.  Aside from the fulltime and part-time programs, the school also offers online courses and distance learning education to those who want to get certificates in a particular industrial process.

TTC-Murfreesboro is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents which means that the tuition fee rates are the same for all technical centers. In fact, the flat rate per credit hour is $183 which was implemented during the academic year of 2012-2013. On the other hand, being governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents also has some advantages as students who wish to transfer to a local community college or state university can easily transfer their credential from TTC-Murfreesboro.  To date, the TBR has six universities and 14 community colleges affiliated under the system.

Enrollment

539

Tuition

$5,105.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1


Tennessee Technology Center, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, began operation in 1964 through a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly the previous year. The school operated under the supervision of the Tennessee department of education, though this changed in 1983 when control was given to the Tennessee Board of Regents System, becoming one the 46 schools that comprise the system. The school is a public two year institution dedicated to providing quality career training for residents in the region.

Academics

Students of Tennessee Technology Center will earn a diploma or certificate through one of the many career programs available at the school. These programs are for high demand fields, and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a professional environment immediately after graduation. The school is dedicated to providing students with a quality education to assist in their development and allow for career growth.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at Tennessee Technical Center must complete and admissions application, be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent GED, show proof of vaccination, and take a basic skills assessment test. Financial aid is available in the form of grants. Eligibility and awards are determined through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which provides all the information necessary for the school to review.

Enrollment

438

Tuition

$6,605.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

There are six public 4-year state universities and colleges in Tennessee. These four-year institutions predominantly offer bachelor's or higher level programs and some may even include research facilities. See a state-wide list of the state universities and colleges in Tennessee.

In Tennessee there are twenty-six accredited private four-year colleges. Similar to public schools, private colleges and universities offer bachelor's or higher level programs and research opportunities, although they usually have smaller classes and higher tuition. Compare admission requirements and tuition details for private colleges in Tennessee.

Community colleges are public institutions that offer low cost, high quality education for residents throughout the state. These schools offer 2-year programs that grant associate degrees or offer training courses in specialized trades. Tennessee" Community colleges also are the number one transfer-out programs available for four-year colleges and universities. Learn more and compare community colleges in Tennessee.

Bible and Christian colleges generally provide specialized undergraduate education with a focus on religious or biblical study. There are approximately twenty-eight such colleges in Tennessee located throughout the state. See a full list of Christian colleges in Tennessee along with program and tuition information.

Tennessee has four accredited liberal arts colleges. These schools primarily focus on undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences through comprehensive and flexible curriculums. Compare all the liberal arts colleges in Tennessee.

2022 Top Tennessee Colleges

Get connected with the best colleges in Tennessee quicker than ever with MatchCollege.  Our exclusive search tools and college profiles will help students looking to apply to colleges in Tennessee quickly find 4-year colleges and two-year colleges with ease.  Access the latest published data on variables such as acceptance rates, tuition, online degrees, financial aid, student to teacher ratios, sports programs, enrollment trends and much more.  Locate the best college for you, request information from any number of accredited schools, and begin your college journey today with your educational partner MatchCollege.

Degree Breakdown State of Tennessee

  • Doctoral or
    Professional degree

    57,200 2.03%

  • Master's
    Degree

    46,760 1.66%

  • Bachelor's
    Degree

    500,280 17.78%

  • Associate's
    Degree

    70,070 2.49%

  • Postsecondary
    Nondegree award

    199,570 7.09%

  • Some college,
    No degree

    63,770 2.27%

  • High school diploma or
    Equivalent

    1,071,750 38.08%

  • No formal
    Educational credential

    804,840 28.60%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Browse Schools by Career in Tennessee

Follow the links below to get information on accredited schools in our database that offer programs or degrees.

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Featured Online Colleges

What Colleges Exist in Tennessee?

A full list of accredited colleges in the State of Tennessee can be found on our state portal.  A single location for all Tennessee colleges includes a full range of community colleges, public universities, private colleges, trade schools, and liberal arts colleges throughout the entire Tennessee state college system.  In addition to insightful college profiles for each school, we have compiled traditional college degree programs offered at private colleges and public universities.  Top ranked colleges in Tennessee are within reach for all students looking to learn more about schools in the state.

Where can I find online degrees at Tennessee colleges?

Tennessee's eCampus offers a look at the online programs in the state. Students can search by program and location to find the online degree that is available from public two-year and four-year colleges within the Tennessee Board of Regents system. All participating schools maintain a regional accreditation through the SACS (Southern Association for Colleges and Schools).

Which free online classes can I take from Tennessee colleges?

There are many colleges and universities that have free college classes. East Tennessee State University offers a limited number of free online classes. Available classes are U.S. History, Introduction to Music, and Introduction to Psychology.

Which Tennessee online colleges will accept FAFSA?

All of the colleges in Tennessee accepting federal student aid funds recognize the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must complete the form yearly to qualify for aid. Tennessee Reconnect and Tennessee Promise help to bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and a student's federal financial aid via the use of lottery proceeds.

Is taking college online more affordable in Tennessee?

Some schools charge the same rate per credit for online and in-person classes. At  Roane State Community College a two- year Public school base tuition is $164 per credit. Tennessee Technological University is a 4-year public school that charges an undergraduate tuition rate of $312 per credit for campus courses and $125 a credit for online programs.

Do online Tennessee colleges accept a GED?

Several colleges in Tennessee offer open admissions, which do not mandate specific high school classes or minimum scores on standardized tests for admission. The school takes all applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements like a high school diploma or a GED and graduates younger than 21 also need to take the ACT or SAT.

Which colleges in Tennessee accept the most transfer credits?

In Tennessee virtually all colleges and universities accept transfer credits for work completed at accredited schools. Two-year colleges may only allow 30 credits toward a 60-credit associate degree. Every school sets its admissions requirements. Colleges often require Students to pass the course with at least a 2.0.

College Student Resources

We have created hundreds of free educational resources and quality career guides for high school students and Alabama college graduates. Our tools include exclusive research, tips and resources to find the perfect college match for you based on your personal criteria. The key to finding your perfect college match is to understand your personal criteria, learning style, career objectives, and vocational goals before selecting a school. Utilize our resources below to make the most of your educational experience.

 
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