Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee in 2026

  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. Fisk University
  3. Rhodes College
  4. Belmont University
  5. Sewanee: The University of the South
  6. Cumberland University
  7. Lipscomb University
  8. Lincoln Memorial University
  9. King University
  10. Maryville College
    +1

This list highlights the top private, non‑profit colleges and universities in Tennessee that offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees. To focus the selection on institutions that serve traditional undergraduate needs, we include only fully accredited private schools that confer bachelor’s degrees; the state set includes 26 private universities.

Below you’ll find evaluative profiles that emphasize academic breadth, program strengths, and practical concerns—cost, campus resources, and common pathways after graduation—so you can compare institutions by fit rather than reputation alone. Use the list to narrow choices, identify programs to research further, and prepare questions for admissions or advisors.

Best Private Colleges in Tennessee

  1. #1

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $63,946
    Expenses: $25,644
    Starting Salary: $99,080
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Fisk University

    Nashville , TN
    #3 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Fisk University

    Cost of Degree: $24,298
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $45,614
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fisk University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Rhodes College

    Memphis , TN
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1393/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Rhodes College

    Cost of Degree: $54,892
    Expenses: $16,654
    Starting Salary: $79,506
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rhodes College known for?

    Rhodes College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Belmont University

    Nashville , TN
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Belmont University

    Cost of Degree: $41,320
    Expenses: $21,250
    Starting Salary: $62,789
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Belmont University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Sewanee: The University of the South

    Sewanee , TN
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Sewanee: The University of the South

    Cost of Degree: $53,704
    Expenses: $18,288
    Starting Salary: $72,175
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sewanee: The University of the South known for?

    Sewanee: The University of the South’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Cumberland University

    Lebanon , TN
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cumberland University

    Cost of Degree: $27,840
    Expenses: $16,900
    Starting Salary: $66,885
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cumberland University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cumberland University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    #19 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Lipscomb University

    Cost of Degree: $38,824
    Expenses: $20,854
    Starting Salary: $62,332
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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’s Online Degrees

    BA/BS in Customer Experience
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 33-60
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Customer Experience
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Supply Chain and Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Supply Chain and Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Lincoln Memorial University

    Harrogate , TN
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $26,150
    Expenses: $17,408
    Starting Salary: $59,630
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    King University

    Bristol , TN
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at King University

    Cost of Degree: $34,800
    Expenses: $15,484
    Starting Salary: $65,781
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is King University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    King University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • History
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Communication
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Theology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSW in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Work
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Maryville College

    Maryville , TN
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1103/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Maryville College

    Cost of Degree: $38,514
    Expenses: $17,214
    Starting Salary: $50,006
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Maryville College known for?

    Maryville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Online Associate in Human Services #4 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Union University

    Cost of Degree: $20,302
    Expenses: $20,826
    Starting Salary: $58,910
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Christian Leadership
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Management
    • Project Management
    • Health Management
    • Church Leadership
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Christian Brothers University

    Memphis , TN
    #23 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University

    Cost of Degree: $37,300
    Expenses: $14,252
    Starting Salary: $55,642
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    • Format: Fully 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Psychology; Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Public Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Criminology
    • Criminal Law
    • Corrections
    • Policing
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Lane College

    Jackson , TN
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lane College

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $11,890
    Starting Salary: $35,657
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lane College known for?

    Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Lee University

    Cleveland , TN
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Lee University

    Cost of Degree: $22,690
    Expenses: $14,610
    Starting Salary: $47,741
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lee University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Nashville , TN
    #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1107/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Trevecca Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $30,090
    Starting Salary: $56,862
    What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Trevecca Nazarene University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Management and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Tennessee Southern

    Pulaski , TN
    #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1007/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee Southern

    Cost of Degree: $10,506
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $46,623
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee Southern known for?

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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Bryan College

    Dayton , TN
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #11 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College

    Cost of Degree: $18,900
    Expenses: $13,470
    Starting Salary: $55,127
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryan College known for?

    Bryan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bryan College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Leadership
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management or Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Tennessee Wesleyan University

    Athens , TN
    #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #15 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $29,264
    Expenses: $13,816
    Starting Salary: $53,474
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Completion Time: 1 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #16 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #17 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University

    Cost of Degree: $34,700
    Expenses: $15,843
    Starting Salary: $51,756
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Carson–Newman University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Southern Adventist University

    Collegedale , TN
    #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $25,590
    Expenses: $13,910
    Starting Salary: $58,780
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Adventist University known for?

    Southern Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southern Adventist University’s Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science to Post Master's in Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • Required Credits: 77
    Compare school
  25. #21

    LeMoyne–Owen College

    Memphis , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College

    Cost of Degree: $12,076
    Expenses: $8,100
    Starting Salary: $41,221
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?

    LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Tusculum University

    Greeneville , TN
    #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tusculum University

    Cost of Degree: $28,500
    Expenses: $16,750
    Starting Salary: $48,636
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tusculum University known for?

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

    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: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 18-20 months
    BS in Business Administration
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
      Compare school
    • #23

      Welch College

      Gallatin , TN
      #13 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #19 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $22K

      Graduation

      55%

      Student body

      <1K

      Career Outlook for degree at Welch College

      Cost of Degree: $20,796
      Expenses: $17,116
      Starting Salary: $44,636
      Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
      Paid back at 15% of annual salary
      What 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
      • Format: Fully online
      Compare school
    • #24

      Bethel University

      McKenzie , TN
      #9 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #18 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #21 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $19K

      Acceptance

      60%

      Graduation

      29%

      Student body

      5K

      Median SAT/ACT

      975/18

      Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University

      Cost of Degree: $17,530
      Expenses: $13,745
      Starting Salary: $49,011
      Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
      Paid back at 15% of annual salary
      What 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
      • Format: Fully online
      BS in Nursing
      • Required Credits: 128
      • Format: Fully online
      BS in Emergency Services Management
      • Required Credits: 128
      • Format: Fully online
      BS in Business Leadership
      Degree Concentrations
      • Customer Relationship Management
      • Fire Science
      • Business Management
      • Information Technology
      • Healthcare Management
      • Required Credits: 128
      • Format: Fully online
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    • #25

      Freed–Hardeman University

      Henderson , TN
      #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $26K

      Acceptance

      60%

      Graduation

      73%

      Student body

      3K

      Median SAT/ACT

      1019/22

      Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University

      Cost of Degree: $25,000
      Expenses: $13,590
      Starting Salary: $48,969
      Cost Recoup Time: 14 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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    • #26

      Daymar Institute

      Nashville , TN

      Tuition + fees

      $22K

      Graduation

      74%

      Student body

      <1K

      What is Daymar Institute known for?

      Daymar Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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    Tennessee’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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    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.

    1. Vanderbilt University
    2. Rhodes College
    3. Sewanee: The University of the South
    4. Fisk University
    5. Bryan College
    6. Southern Adventist University
    7. Lincoln Memorial University
    8. Maryville College
    9. Carson–Newman University
    10. King University
    11. Tusculum University
    12. Lipscomb University
    13. Lee University
    14. Cumberland University
    15. Union University
    16. Christian Brothers University
    17. Trevecca Nazarene University
    18. Freed–Hardeman University
    19. Tennessee Wesleyan University
    20. Belmont University

    Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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