Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE PRIVATE COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: May 5, 2021
Updated: Oct 30, 2024

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Tennessee.

Key Takeaways

The best private institutions in Tennessee often provide structured pathways for career readiness. Many help students obtain funding to pursue summer internships or research fellowships.
Many of the best private colleges in Tennessee offer a dynamic campus life with various clubs, Greek life, and community events. These activities help create a strong sense of community and provide a balanced college experience that blends academics with student life.
Many of the best private colleges in Tennessee emphasize small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships. This intimate academic environment allows students to engage in meaningful mentorships and collaborative projects, fostering critical thinking and personalized support for academic growth.

Table of Contents

10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee in 2025

Vanderbilt University
Fisk University
Rhodes College
Belmont University
+1
Sewanee: The University of the South
–1
Cumberland University
+6
Lipscomb University
Lincoln Memorial University
–2
King University
+2
Union University

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 ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Tennessee saw a considerable amount of movement. Cumberland University gained the most ranking positions as the university has implemented several key initiatives that enhance affordability, accessibility, and student support. Notably, the university has announced a decision to maintain current tuition rates without any increase, a step intended to ease financial strain on students and their families during challenging economic times. This decision is part of Cumberland’s commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible to a wider range of students.

In addition, Cumberland University is bolstering its admissions process by continuing a test-optional policy for incoming freshmen, which provides flexibility for students whose academic strengths may not be reflected in standardized test scores. This inclusive approach aligns with the university’s focus on creating an equitable and supportive environment for diverse learners. Furthermore, Cumberland’s array of academic programs and student services continues to grow, reflecting the university’s longstanding dedication to personal and professional student development, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 26 private universities in Tennessee. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Tennessee, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.