Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025
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.
10 Best Grad Schools 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.
The top 5 schools in our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in Tennessee remained the same this year. In fact, the only movement in the top 10 was Union University, which gained 1 spot to move into the top 10.
Vanderbilt University has launched the College of Connected Computing, Vanderbilt’s first new college in 40 years. Additionally, the School of Engineering now offers waived application fees for Ph.D. candidates and expanded graduate funding, including full tuition, stipends, and health insurance for doctoral students.
The University of Tennessee’s Tickle College of Engineering has expanded its facility by adding over 275,000 square feet of innovative research and learning spaces. Meanwhile, the College of Nursing and the Herbert College of Agriculture have also been recognized for their advanced curriculum, cutting-edge research, and commitment to addressing global challenges, particularly in biosystems engineering.
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?
- 14 Research Universities
- 21 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 14 Graduate Schools
- 9 Public Colleges & Universities
- 26 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 24 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 15 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 13 Community Colleges
- 21 Online Colleges
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.
Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025
- #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
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #19 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #12 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
- #8 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 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
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.
- #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
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #2 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
- #4 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #6 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
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
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.
- #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
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in English 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Communications 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #19 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #21 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
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
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.
- #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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025
- #4 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
- #5 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #4 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #22 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #25 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #5 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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 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.
- #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: $10,144Expenses: $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 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.
- #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: $9,506Expenses: $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
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.
- #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
- #9 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #3 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #24 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN 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 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.
- #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
- #9 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
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 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.
- #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: $26,150Expenses: $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 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.
- #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
- #4 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #12 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #18 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
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 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.
- #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: $10,084Expenses: $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, 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.
- #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
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #12 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
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 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.
- #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
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
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 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.
- #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
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.
- #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
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.
Tennessee’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
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.