Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE PUBLIC COLLEGES

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee’s public colleges offer affordable in-state tuition rates, along with numerous financial aid opportunities, including the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which provides eligible students with tuition-free access to community and technical colleges.
  • Tennessee’s best public colleges provide a wide range of academic programs, from liberal arts to STEM fields, with strong emphasis on research and innovation. Schools like the University of Tennessee offer students access to nationally recognized research centers, fostering opportunities for undergraduate research in various disciplines.
  • Public colleges in Tennessee are known for their top-tier healthcare and nursing programs, featuring cutting-edge simulation labs, hands-on clinical experiences, and partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities, making them ideal for students pursuing careers in health professions.

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 schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Tennessee saw considerable changes in ranking positions. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga gained the most ranking positions as the university enhanced the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, offering students hands-on experience with startup incubators, mentorship opportunities, and resources for launching new business ventures. The university has also upgraded its engineering and computer science programs, with new state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces for research and practical learning.

Additionally, UTC has enhanced its mental health and wellness services, providing expanded counseling, peer support, and wellness workshops to promote student well-being. These updates emphasize UTC’s focus on innovation, career readiness, and holistic student support.

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.

Best Public Colleges in Tennessee

  1. #1

    University of Tennessee

    Knoxville , TN

    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: $13,484
    Expenses: $20,194
    Starting Salary: $56,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN

    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: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,568
    Expenses: $17,300
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. 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: $10,144
    Expenses: $16,402
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  5. 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: $9,506
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. 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: $9,706
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Martin

    Cost of Degree: $10,194
    Expenses: $13,380
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  8. #8

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $10,084
    Expenses: $17,182
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  9. 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: $8,675
    Expenses: $17,840
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
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Tennessee’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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. 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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