Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Here are the best colleges and universities in Tennessee. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee’s top colleges emphasize programs in fields like history, music, and cultural studies, offering students unique opportunities to explore the region’s rich heritage and influence, particularly in areas such as civil rights and music history.
- Leading colleges in Tennessee are known for their robust programs in healthcare, engineering, and business, providing students with hands-on learning experiences, industry partnerships, and pathways to high-demand careers.
- Tennessee colleges foster a welcoming campus environment with numerous student organizations, community engagement projects, and vibrant traditions, appealing to students seeking a tight-knit and active college experience.
10 Best Colleges in Tennessee in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Tennessee saw a fair amount of movement. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga gained the most ranking positions as the university is focusing on financial accessibility through initiatives like the Making Akron Possible (MAP) Grant, which offers tuition-free education to eligible students, aiming to broaden access to higher education.
We’ve identified 35 colleges and universities in Tennessee that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Tennessee below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Tennessee.
Best Colleges in Tennessee
- #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
93%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/34
Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University
Cost of Degree: $63,946Expenses: $25,644Starting Salary: $86,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Vanderbilt University known for?
Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
73%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/28
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee
Cost of Degree: $13,484Expenses: $20,194Starting Salary: $56,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee known for?
University of Tennessee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Economics
- Engineering
- Medical
- Business
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
48%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Career Outlook for degree at University of Memphis
Cost of Degree: $10,344Expenses: $17,726Starting Salary: $43,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Memphis known for?
University of Memphis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Memphis’s Online Degrees
BA in African and African American Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
Degree Concentrations
- African American Literature
- Professional Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences major in Healthcare Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Sciences
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Healthcare Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Hospitality and Resort Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Business Information and Technology
- Management
- Marketing Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration in Business Information and Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Business Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration major in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Insurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Services
- Child Life Specialist
- Legal Studies
- Early Care and Learning
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Leadership
- Information Technology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy
Degree Concentrations
- Applied Ethics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/22
Career Outlook for degree at Fisk University
Cost of Degree: $24,298Expenses: $17,198Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fisk University known for?
Fisk University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
32%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $8,568Expenses: $17,300Starting Salary: $39,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee State University known for?
Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Education
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tennessee State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Information Management
Degree Concentrations
- Utilizing Technologies in Healthcare Organizations
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Administration
- Information Technology
- International Organizational Leadership
- Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Work
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1116/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Cost of Degree: $10,144Expenses: $16,402Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee at Chattanooga known for?
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Medical
- Physics
- Education
- Communications
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
55%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/22
Career Outlook for degree at Middle Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,506Expenses: $18,314Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Middle Tennessee State University known for?
Middle Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Business
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
85%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/30
Career Outlook for degree at Rhodes College
Cost of Degree: $54,892Expenses: $16,654Starting Salary: $64,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rhodes College known for?
Rhodes College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for degree at East Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,706Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $40,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Tennessee State University known for?
East Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Nursing
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
East Tennessee State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Human Services
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Dentistry
Degree Concentrations
- Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Allied Health Leadership
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
72%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/27
Career Outlook for degree at Belmont University
Cost of Degree: $41,320Expenses: $21,250Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Belmont University known for?
Belmont University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
81%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1306/29
Career Outlook for degree at Sewanee: The University of the South
Cost of Degree: $53,704Expenses: $18,288Starting Salary: $51,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sewanee: The University of the South known for?
Sewanee: The University of the South’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Economics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
53%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Martin
Cost of Degree: $10,194Expenses: $13,380Starting Salary: $40,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee at Martin known for?
University of Tennessee at Martin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Nursing
- Education
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
University of Tennessee at Martin’s Online Degrees
BS in Agricultural Business
Degree Concentrations
- Veterinary Technology and Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in History and Philosophy
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Courts and Law
- Forensics
- Generalist
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Business Administration major in Agricultural Business
Degree Concentrations
- Agricultural Business
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Veterinary Technology and Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration major in Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Management Information Systems
- Business Communication and Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
49%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Cumberland University
Cost of Degree: $27,840Expenses: $16,900Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cumberland University known for?
Cumberland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Medical
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Cumberland University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Career Outlook for degree at Lipscomb University
Cost of Degree: $38,824Expenses: $20,854Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lipscomb University known for?
Lipscomb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Education
- Medical
- Political Science
- History
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Lipscomb University’s Online Degrees
BA/BS in Customer Experience
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 33-60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Customer Experience
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
51%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/21
Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln Memorial University
Cost of Degree: $26,150Expenses: $17,408Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lincoln Memorial University known for?
Lincoln Memorial University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Lincoln Memorial University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at King University
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $15,484Starting Salary: $50,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is King University known for?
King University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Social Work
- Communications
- Business
- Education
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
King University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Technology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for degree at Union University
Cost of Degree: $20,302Expenses: $20,826Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union University known for?
Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Education
- History
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Union University’s Online Degrees
BS in Christian Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Management
- Project Management
- Health Management
- Church Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/23
Career Outlook for degree at Maryville College
Cost of Degree: $38,514Expenses: $17,214Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Maryville College known for?
Maryville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #4 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
60%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech
Cost of Degree: $10,084Expenses: $17,182Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee Tech known for?
Tennessee Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tennessee Tech’s Online Degrees
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/23
Career Outlook for degree at Lee University
Cost of Degree: $22,690Expenses: $14,610Starting Salary: $37,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lee University known for?
Lee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Social Work
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025 #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University
Cost of Degree: $37,300Expenses: $14,252Starting Salary: $50,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Christian Brothers University known for?
Christian Brothers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Christian Brothers University’s Online Degrees
BA in Professional Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Organizational Psychology
- Public Health
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Organizational Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Business Law
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Organization and Management
- International Business
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Public Health
Degree Concentrations
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Global Public Health
- Public Health of Mental Illness
- Social and Behavioral Public Health
- Social Determinants of Health and Well-being
- Public Health Research Methods
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee Southern
Cost of Degree: $10,506Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee Southern known for?
University of Tennessee Southern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
61%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Career Outlook for degree at Trevecca Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $30,090Starting Salary: $49,000What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?
Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Trevecca Nazarene University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Care Administration
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management and Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #9 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
43%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1076/21
Career Outlook for degree at Austin Peay State University
Cost of Degree: $8,675Expenses: $17,840Starting Salary: $38,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Austin Peay State University known for?
Austin Peay State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Business
- History
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Austin Peay State University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Hospitality Administration
- Leadership Science
- Organizational Administration
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cis: Systems Development
- Cis: Information Assurance & Security
- Cis: Database Administration
- Cis: Internet & Web Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Public Management
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Political Science
- Professional Communication - Information Specialist
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Medical Laboratory Science - Mlt To Mls
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
18%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lane College
Cost of Degree: $11,790Expenses: $11,890Starting Salary: $27,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lane College known for?
Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Sociology
- Literature
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #16 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,264Expenses: $13,816Starting Salary: $43,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee Wesleyan University known for?
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College
Cost of Degree: $18,900Expenses: $13,470Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bryan College known for?
Bryan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Bryan College’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management or Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #10 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024 #17 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1061/22
Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University
Cost of Degree: $34,700Expenses: $15,843Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carson–Newman University known for?
Carson–Newman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Carson–Newman University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $25,590Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Adventist University known for?
Southern Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Computer Science
- History
- Business
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Adventist University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science to Post Master's in Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Required Credits: 77
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
18%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College
Cost of Degree: $12,076Expenses: $8,100Starting Salary: $30,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?
LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #15 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #22 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/19
Career Outlook for degree at Tusculum University
Cost of Degree: $28,500Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tusculum University known for?
Tusculum University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tusculum University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Independent Studies in English major
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Communication & Public Relations
- Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #13 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #21 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
59%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Welch College
Cost of Degree: $20,796Expenses: $17,116Starting Salary: $31,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Welch College known for?
Welch College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Welch College’s Online Degrees
BS in Theological Studies
Degree Concentrations
- General Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $13,590Starting Salary: $41,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Freed–Hardeman University known for?
Freed–Hardeman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Business
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #14 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #20 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1029/19
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $17,530Expenses: $13,745Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethel University known for?
Bethel University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Bethel University ’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Services Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
74%
Student body
<1K
What is Daymar Institute known for?
Daymar Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tennesee’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Vanderbilt University
- Rhodes College
- University of Tennessee
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Fisk University
- Tennessee State University
- Bryan College
- Southern Adventist University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of Memphis
- Lincoln Memorial University
- Maryville College
- Carson–Newman University
- University of Tennessee at Martin
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- King University
- Tusculum University
- Lipscomb University
- Lee University
- Cumberland University
- Union University
- Christian Brothers University
- Tennessee Tech
- East Tennessee State University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- Freed–Hardeman University
- Tennessee Wesleyan University
- Belmont University
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