Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2024

BEST IN TENNESSEE PUBLIC COLLEGES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Tennessee provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Tennessee

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  1. University of Tennessee
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Tennessee State University
  4. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  5. Middle Tennessee State University
  6. East Tennessee State University
  7. University of Tennessee at Martin
  8. Austin Peay State University
  9. Tennessee Tech
  1. University of Memphis 95%
  2. Austin Peay State University 93%
  3. East Tennessee State University 87%
  4. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 86%
  5. Tennessee Tech 79%
  6. University of Tennessee 75%
  7. University of Tennessee at Martin 75%
  8. Middle Tennessee State University 68%
  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 Tennessee at Martin 16 to 1
  7. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  8. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  9. Tennessee State University 12 to 1
  1. University of Tennessee $11,332
  2. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  3. University of Tennessee at Martin $8,378
  4. University of Memphis $8,352
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga $7,992
  6. East Tennessee State University $7,486
  7. Middle Tennessee State University $7,344
  8. Tennessee State University $7,128
  9. Austin Peay State University $6,816
  1. University of Tennessee $11,468
  2. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  3. Tennessee State University $9,524
  4. Middle Tennessee State University $9,396
  5. University of Memphis $9,378
  6. University of Tennessee at Martin $9,278
  7. East Tennessee State University $8,784
  8. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga $8,618
  9. Austin Peay State University $8,226
  1. Tennessee Tech
  2. Austin Peay State University
  3. University of Tennessee at Martin
  4. East Tennessee State University
  5. Middle Tennessee State University
  6. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  7. Tennessee State University
  8. University of Memphis
  9. University of Tennessee
  1. Middle Tennessee State University 68%
  2. University of Tennessee at Martin 75%
  3. University of Tennessee 75%
  4. Tennessee Tech 79%
  5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 86%
  6. East Tennessee State University 87%
  7. Austin Peay State University 93%
  8. University of Memphis 95%
  1. Tennessee State University 12 to 1
  2. East Tennessee State University 16 to 1
  3. University of Tennessee at Martin 16 to 1
  4. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  5. Austin Peay State University 16 to 1
  6. University of Tennessee 17 to 1
  7. Middle Tennessee State University 17 to 1
  8. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 18 to 1
  9. Tennessee Tech 18 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. University of Tennessee at Martin $8,378
  8. Tennessee Tech $8,520
  9. University of Tennessee $11,332
  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 Tennessee at Martin $9,278
  5. University of Memphis $9,378
  6. Middle Tennessee State University $9,396
  7. Tennessee State University $9,524
  8. Tennessee Tech $10,480
  9. University of Tennessee $11,468

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 9 public universities in Tennessee. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Tennessee, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023

  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $16,373
    Starting Salary: $45,563
    Salary after 4 years: $51,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    University of Memphis’s Online Degrees

    BA in African and African American Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    Degree Concentrations
    • African American Literature
    • Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences major in Healthcare Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Healthcare Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Hospitality and Resort Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Business Information and Technology
    • Management
    • Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration in Business Information and Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration in Finance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration major in Finance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Real Estate
    • Finance
    • Insurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Services
    • Child Life Specialist
    • Legal Studies
    • Early Care and Learning
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    Middle Tennessee State University

    Murfreesboro , TN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Middle Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,232
    Expenses: $15,322
    Starting Salary: $40,427
    Salary after 4 years: $49,916
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Tennessee State University

    Nashville , TN
    #3 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,336
    Expenses: $15,496
    Starting Salary: $44,366
    Salary after 4 years: $51,386
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Information Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Utilizing Technologies in Healthcare Organizations
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Administration
    • Information Technology
    • International Organizational Leadership
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    East Tennessee State University

    Johnson City , TN
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/23

    Career Outlook for degree at East Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,438
    Expenses: $16,452
    Starting Salary: $40,477
    Salary after 4 years: $52,125
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in General Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dentistry
    Degree Concentrations
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health Leadership
    • Respiratory Therapy
    • Radiologic Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga , TN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    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: $47,958
    Salary after 4 years: $56,897
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $9,802
    Expenses: $15,530
    Starting Salary: $43,114
    Salary after 4 years: $53,289
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Tennessee at Martin

    Martin , TN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Martin

    Cost of Degree: $9,912
    Expenses: $12,420
    Starting Salary: $38,026
    Salary after 4 years: $45,591
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee at Martin known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Tennessee at Martin’s Online Degrees

    BS in Agricultural Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Veterinary Technology and Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in History and Philosophy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law Enforcement
    • Corrections
    • Courts and Law
    • Forensics
    • Generalist
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business Administration major in Agricultural Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Agricultural Business
    • Farm and Ranch Management
    • Veterinary Technology and Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration major in Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Business Communication and Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1053/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Austin Peay State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,431
    Expenses: $21,676
    Starting Salary: $40,424
    Salary after 4 years: $45,456
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Hospitality Administration
    • Leadership Science
    • Organizational Administration
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cis: Systems Development
    • Cis: Information Assurance & Security
    • Cis: Database Administration
    • Cis: Internet & Web Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
    • Public Management
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Political Science
    • Professional Communication - Information Specialist
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical
    Degree Concentrations
    • Medical Laboratory Science - Mlt To Mls
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Tennessee’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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. University of Tennessee
  2. Tennessee State University
  3. Middle Tennessee State University
  4. University of Memphis
  5. University of Tennessee at Martin
  6. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  7. Tennessee Tech
  8. East Tennessee State University
  9. Austin Peay State University

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

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