Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Tennessee

  1. Vanderbilt University
    • Tuition: $60K
  2. University of Tennessee
    • Tuition: $13K
  3. University of Memphis
    • Tuition: $10K
  4. Tennessee State University
    • Tuition: $8K
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
    • Tuition: $10K
  6. Middle Tennessee State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  7. East Tennessee State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  8. Lipscomb University
    • Tuition: $37K
  9. Lincoln Memorial University
    • Tuition: $25K
  10. Austin Peay State University
    • Tuition: $8K

Key Takeaways

  • Fifteen schools in Tennessee meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Tennessee’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Tennessee that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Colleges and Universities in Tennessee

About one third of the higher learning institutes in Tennessee are public schools. Students who attend these schools can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 to $13,000 in tuition and have the option to pursue degrees in fields such as economics, history, nursing, literature, education, and criminal justice.

Tennessee’s largest public school, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, boasts some impressive alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Vonnegut, and Cormac McCarthy. The private school alumni are equally as notable. For example, author James Patterson and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus both attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Tennessee also offers students several loan forgiveness programs. Math and science teachers, minority teachers, and registered nurses interested in becoming teachers or administrators who meet certain requirements may be eligible.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Tennessee’s Colleges & Universities?

Tennessee’s Best Overall

There are 15 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Tennessee. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Tennessee is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2023

  1. #1

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $63,946
    Expenses: $25,644
    Starting Salary: $86,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vanderbilt University known for?

    Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vanderbilt University is a private institution with R1 Carnegie status or “very high” research activity. It currently offers at least 115 Graduate programs at Master’s and doctoral degree levels, a handful of which are offered online.

    What we love about VU:

    As a research university, VU provides opportunities for cross-disciplinary research that encourages discoveries that benefit the world.

    VU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for Graduate-level academic programs with plenty of research opportunities.

    VU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a residential university in a rural area.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Tennessee

    Knoxville , TN
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $13,484
    Expenses: $20,194
    Starting Salary: $56,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee known for?

    University of Tennessee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Tennessee is a Knoxville-based public institution of higher education with very high research activity or R1 Carnegie classification. It currently offers more than 545 Graduate programs at Certificate, Master’s, and PhD-degree levels, many of which are offered in online learning format.

    What we love about UT:

    UT is Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, with more than 225 years of experience in providing quality education and research breakthroughs.

    UT is ideal for students who:

    Love the prestige of being a part of the No. 1 Public University in Tennessee.

    UT might not be the best fit for students who:

    Can’t manage their studies and sports engagements well, considering that UT is active in national championship games.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Memphis known for?

    University of Memphis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Memphis is a public university founded in 1912 with very high research activity. There are currently more than 120 Graduate degree programs to choose from at the University, many of which are available in an online format.

    What we love about UofM:

    At least 40 of its academic programs have gained national rankings, reflecting the quality of education that the school is providing.

    UofM is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for residential universities with a large academic community located in the city.

    UofM might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a campus community with students having similar cultural backgrounds, considering that diversity is one of the school’s strengths.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Tennessee State University

    Nashville , TN
    #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,568
    Expenses: $17,300
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tennessee State University known for?

    Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tennessee State University is a public, historically Black (HBCU), R2 Carnegie-designated “high research” institution of higher education in Nashville. It offers at least 30 Graduate programs in eight fields of study, including Agriculture, Business, and Education.

    What we love about TSU:

    There are more than 400 full-time academic faculty members at the University, contributing to the low student-faculty ratio.

    TSU is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to become student-athletes, considering that the school has a rich Olympic heritage.

    TSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer Awide range of options when it comes to master’s or doctorate programs, considering that the choices at the University are limited.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga , TN
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,144
    Expenses: $16,402
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee at Chattanooga known for?

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a public institution of higher education offering more than 85 graduate programs at certificate, education specialist, master’s, and doctoral levels.

    What we love about UTC:

    It is nationally recognized as a model for metropolitan universities.

    UTC is ideal for students who:

    Want to make the most of their post-baccalaureate education with plenty of experiential learning opportunities, considering that UTC collaborates with many regional partners.

    UTC might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are first-time bachelor-degree graduates intending to enroll in UTC’s graduate program but either have a cumulative GPA lower than 2.70 for all their undergraduate coursework or lower than 3.00 for the last two years of their undergraduate academic coursework.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Middle Tennessee State University

    Murfreesboro , TN
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,506
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middle Tennessee State University known for?

    Middle Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Based in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University was established in 1911 initially as a two-year normal school for training teachers. It currently offers around 14 Doctoral and at least 114 master’s degree programs, including accelerated Bachelor-Graduate programs.

    What we love about MTSU:

    It has been recognized as the Top Producer of Graduates for the economy of Greater Nashville.

    MTSU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer an academic curriculum that provides comprehensive education instead of specializing in specific skills to prepare for the modern job market’s diverse challenges.

    MTSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable with low student-faculty ratios or in small class sizes.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    East Tennessee State University

    Johnson City , TN
    #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 Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,706
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Tennessee State University known for?

    East Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    East Tennessee State University is a public “high research” institution of higher education in Johnson City offering at least 180 graduate programs at certificate, master’s, and doctoral-degree levels, a few of which are available in online learning format.

    What we love about ETSU:

    It is recognized as one of the top 10% of colleges with the least amount of student debt.

    ETSU is ideal for students who:

    Want to obtain a high-quality education without breaking the bank.

    ETSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find the plenty of outdoor activities on and around the campus to be too distracting.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $38,824
    Expenses: $20,854
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lipscomb University known for?

    Lipscomb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It offers at least 85 graduate programs at certificate, specialist, master’s, and doctoral-degree levels.

    What we love about Lipscomb University:

    It is recognized as one of the fastest-growing private doctoral universities in the country that produces global-minded individuals with a passion for serving their communities.

    Lipscomb University is ideal for students who:

    Want their academic journey and professional growth to be highly influenced by Christian values.

    Lipscomb University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a university with a large academic community of more than 5,000 students.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Lincoln Memorial University

    Harrogate , TN
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    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: $26,150
    Expenses: $17,408
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lincoln Memorial University known for?

    Lincoln Memorial University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit educational institution in Harrogate offering more than 30 graduate professional degrees at master’s and certificate levels.

    What we love about LMU:

    More than 75% of the school’s full-time faculty members have the highest possible degree available in their field of study.

    LMU is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in small class sizes where they can benefit from the individualized attention of professors.

    LMU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying in large campuses located in suburban or urban areas.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,675
    Expenses: $17,840
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Austin Peay State University known for?

    Austin Peay State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Austin Peay State University is a Clarksville-based public institution offering more than 85 graduate programs at executive certificate, certificate, master’s, and doctoral degree levels, many of which are available for online learning.

    What we love about APSU:

    It provides a small college campus community but with big opportunities and resources of a major university.

    APSU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer having a thriving community with plenty of great restaurants and outdoor activities surrounding their school.

    APSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are uncomfortable attending small-sized classes with the possibility of getting intrusive attention from professors and faculty members.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Human Services
    Other Rankings

    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: $20,302
    Expenses: $20,826
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union University known for?

    Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Union University is a Jackson-based not-for-profit private Christian university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It offers 18 graduate programs in nine areas of study.

    What we love about Union University:

    It has been nationally recognized every year as a top Christian university in the country.

    Union University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer small class sizes to obtain individualized guidance from faculty members and professors.

    Union University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a secular academic background.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $10,084
    Expenses: $17,182
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tennessee Tech known for?

    Tennessee Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tennessee Tech, also known as Tennessee Technological University, is a public higher education institution with “high research activity” based on the Carnegie classification. It offers at least 60 graduate programs and concentrations, some of which are offered online.

    What we love about Tennessee Tech:

    It aims to transform students into practical graduates with high employability to prepare them for the technologically driven job market.

    Tennessee Tech is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for transformative learning experiences in the field of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Human Ecology, Education, Business, Fine Arts, Engineering, Nursing, or Interdisciplinary Studies.

    Tennessee Tech might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for the cheapest option in Tennessee when it comes to attending graduate programs.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Nashville , TN
    #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
    Other Rankings

    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: $30,090
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?

    Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Trevecca Nazarene University is a Nashville-based non-profit private Christian university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It offers more than 25 graduate programs at certificate, specialist, master’s, and doctoral levels, most of which are available online.

    What we love about TNU:

    Around 94% of faculty members hold the highest degree possible in their field of study.

    TNU is ideal for students who:

    Can manage both their studies and sports engagements, considering that the university actively supports athletic teams.

    TNU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer their educational pursuits and professional development to be free from the influence of any organized religion.

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN
    #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: $34,700
    Expenses: $15,843
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carson–Newman University known for?

    Carson–Newman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Situated in East Tennessee, Carson-Newman University is a liberal arts school affiliated with the Baptist Church. It currently offers an educational specialist, nine master’s, and two doctoral degree programs.

    What we love about Carson-Newman:

    It has remained steadfast in fulfilling its mission to promote education in general for more than 170 years now.

    Carson-Newman is ideal for students who:

    Seek high-quality and best-value education, considering that around 98% of students at the university are able to receive financial aid.

    Carson-Newman might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are easily distracted from their studies when recreational events, outdoor activities, and national championships abound on and around the campus.

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Freed–Hardeman University

    Henderson , TN
    #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: $25,000
    Expenses: $13,590
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Freed–Hardeman University known for?

    Freed–Hardeman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Freed-Hardeman University is a private, non-profit institution of higher education affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It offers at least 25 graduate programs at master’s, doctoral, and education specialist levels.

    What we love about FHU:

    Students at FHU are nurtured through hands-on learning and spiritual formation so that they can serve their communities with distinction as Christian professionals.

    FHU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for post-baccalaureate programs in the fields of Business, Behavioral Science, Theology, Education, or Exercise Science.

    FHU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are searching for a wide range of graduate options, considering that FHU offers limited programs.

    Compare school
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Tennessee’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 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.

  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. University of Tennessee
  3. Middle Tennessee State University
  4. Tennessee State University
  5. University of Memphis
  6. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  7. East Tennessee State University
  8. Tennessee Tech
  9. Lincoln Memorial University
  10. Carson–Newman University
  11. Lipscomb University
  12. Union University
  13. Trevecca Nazarene University
  14. Freed–Hardeman University
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