Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Tennessee offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee

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  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. University of Tennessee
  3. University of Memphis
  4. Middle Tennessee State University
  5. Tennessee State University
  6. East Tennessee State University
  7. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  8. Lincoln Memorial University
  9. Tennessee Tech
  10. Lipscomb University
  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. University of Tennessee
  3. University of Memphis
  4. Tennessee State University
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  6. Middle Tennessee State University
  7. East Tennessee State University
  8. Lipscomb University
  9. Lincoln Memorial University
  10. Austin Peay State University
  1. University of Memphis 95%
  2. Austin Peay State University 93%
  3. Freed–Hardeman University 88%
  4. East Tennessee State University 87%
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 86%
  6. Tennessee Tech 79%
  7. Carson–Newman University 79%
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  9. University of Tennessee 75%
  10. Lipscomb University 74%
  1. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 18 to 1
  2. Tennessee Tech 18 to 1
  3. University of Tennessee 17 to 1
  4. Middle Tennessee State University 17 to 1
  5. East Tennessee State University 16 to 1
  6. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  7. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  8. Lipscomb University 14 to 1
  9. Carson–Newman University 14 to 1
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  1. Vanderbilt University $56,966
  2. Lipscomb University $35,752
  3. Union University $35,510
  4. Carson–Newman University $31,320
  5. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  6. Lincoln Memorial University $24,210
  7. Freed–Hardeman University $23,300
  8. University of Tennessee $11,332
  9. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  10. University of Memphis $8,352
  1. Vanderbilt University $51,600
  2. Lincoln Memorial University $19,654
  3. Lipscomb University $17,100
  4. Union University $11,618
  5. University of Tennessee $11,468
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235
  7. Freed–Hardeman University $10,980
  8. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  9. Tennessee State University $9,524
  10. Carson–Newman University $9,432
  1. Freed–Hardeman University
  2. Trevecca Nazarene University
  3. Carson–Newman University
  4. Union University
  5. Austin Peay State University
  6. Lipscomb University
  7. Tennessee Tech
  8. Lincoln Memorial University
  9. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  10. East Tennessee State University
  1. Freed–Hardeman University
  2. Carson–Newman University
  3. Trevecca Nazarene University
  4. Tennessee Tech
  5. Union University
  6. Austin Peay State University
  7. Lincoln Memorial University
  8. Lipscomb University
  9. East Tennessee State University
  10. Middle Tennessee State University
  1. Vanderbilt University 7%
  2. Union University 53%
  3. Middle Tennessee State University 68%
  4. Lincoln Memorial University 70%
  5. Lipscomb University 74%
  6. University of Tennessee 75%
  7. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  8. Carson–Newman University 79%
  9. Tennessee Tech 79%
  10. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 86%
  1. Vanderbilt University 8 to 1
  2. Union University 10 to 1
  3. Tennessee State University 12 to 1
  4. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  5. Freed–Hardeman University 13 to 1
  6. Lincoln Memorial University 13 to 1
  7. Lipscomb University 14 to 1
  8. Carson–Newman University 14 to 1
  9. East Tennessee State University 16 to 1
  10. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  1. Austin Peay State University $6,816
  2. Tennessee State University $7,128
  3. Middle Tennessee State University $7,344
  4. East Tennessee State University $7,486
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga $7,992
  6. University of Memphis $8,352
  7. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  8. University of Tennessee $11,332
  9. Freed–Hardeman University $23,300
  10. Lincoln Memorial University $24,210
  1. Austin Peay State University $8,226
  2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga $8,618
  3. East Tennessee State University $8,784
  4. University of Memphis $9,378
  5. Middle Tennessee State University $9,396
  6. Carson–Newman University $9,432
  7. Tennessee State University $9,524
  8. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  9. Freed–Hardeman University $10,980
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235

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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Tennessee also offers nearly 30 religiously affiliated schools, the largest being Belmont University in Nashville, located just blocks from the famous Music Row. Here, students can study a wide range of fields including Christian leadership, audio engineering technology, and biophysics. Additionally, Tennessee 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.

Tennessee is home to mouthwatering barbecues, electrified blues, and the sweeping majesty of the Smoky Mountains National Park. And with access to countless historic sites, unique museums, and lush green spaces, students attending one of the more than 60 colleges and universities in The Volunteer State will have plenty to do and see in their downtime.

Discover more about the top programs and higher education learning opportunities available in Tennessee.


What are Tennessee’s Colleges & Universities?

Tennessee’s Best Overall


Tennessee's Best Grad Schools Badge
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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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $86,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Middle Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,232
    Expenses: $15,322
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,336
    Expenses: $15,556
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/23

    Career Outlook for degree at East Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,438
    Expenses: $17,323
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Cost of Degree: $9,848
    Expenses: $14,950
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $25,180
    Expenses: $16,540
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  8. #11

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1053/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Austin Peay State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,431
    Expenses: $22,434
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

  9. #13

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $14,964
    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

  10. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University

    Cost of Degree: $24,300
    Expenses: $13,000
    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

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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.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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