Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2026
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.
Best Public Colleges in Tennessee in 2026
This guide identifies the best public colleges in Tennessee for 2026, focusing on institutions that receive state funding, hold full accreditation, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees. We evaluated the state’s public sector as a group and located 9 public universities that meet those inclusion standards; the list highlights differences in scale, mission, program breadth, and student support rather than offering a single numerical rank.
Use this list to compare which public colleges align with your priorities—academic programs and research intensity, in-state cost and financial aid, campus setting and commute, and postgraduation pathways. The entries emphasize what distinguishes each campus for prospective students and families evaluating options in Tennessee for 2026.
Best Public Colleges in Tennessee
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
74%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/28
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee
Cost of Degree: $13,484Expenses: $20,194Starting Salary: $65,090Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee known for?
University of Tennessee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Economics
- Engineering
- Medical
- Business
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
53%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1047/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Memphis
Cost of Degree: $10,344Expenses: $17,726Starting Salary: $52,227Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
Degree Concentrations
- African American Literature
- Professional Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences major in Healthcare Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Sciences
- Format: Fully online
BS in Healthcare Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Healthcare Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Hospitality and Resort Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Business Information and Technology
- Management
- Marketing Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration in Business Information and Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Business Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration major in Finance
Degree Concentrations
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Insurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Services
- Child Life Specialist
- Legal Studies
- Early Care and Learning
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Leadership
- Information Technology
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Philosophy
Degree Concentrations
- Applied Ethics
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sport and Leisure Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
34%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $8,568Expenses: $17,300Starting Salary: $47,151Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee State University known for?
Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Education
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tennessee State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Information Management
Degree Concentrations
- Utilizing Technologies in Healthcare Organizations
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Format: Fully online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 8-12 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Health Administration
- Information Technology
- International Organizational Leadership
- Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Social Work
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Urban Studies
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026 #6 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
56%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1111/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Cost of Degree: $10,144Expenses: $16,402Starting Salary: $56,442Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee at Chattanooga known for?
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Medical
- Physics
- Education
- Communications
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 48
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
54%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for degree at Middle Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,506Expenses: $18,314Starting Salary: $52,702Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Middle Tennessee State University known for?
Middle Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Business
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Career Outlook for degree at East Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,706Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $48,646Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Tennessee State University known for?
East Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Nursing
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
East Tennessee State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Human Services
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Dentistry
Degree Concentrations
- Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Allied Health Leadership
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiologic Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Science
Degree Concentrations
- Surveying & Mapping
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #4 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
51%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Martin
Cost of Degree: $10,194Expenses: $13,380Starting Salary: $48,116Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee at Martin known for?
University of Tennessee at Martin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Nursing
- Education
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
University of Tennessee at Martin’s Online Degrees
BS in Agricultural Business
Degree Concentrations
- Veterinary Technology and Management
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in History and Philosophy
- Format: Fully online
BS/BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Courts and Law
- Forensics
- Generalist
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
BS in Business Administration major in Agricultural Business
Degree Concentrations
- Agricultural Business
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Veterinary Technology and Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration major in Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Management Information Systems
- Business Communication and Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 123
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
56%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1179/23
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech
Cost of Degree: $10,084Expenses: $17,182Starting Salary: $52,901Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee Tech known for?
Tennessee Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tennessee Tech’s Online Degrees
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
42%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
984/21
Career Outlook for degree at Austin Peay State University
Cost of Degree: $8,675Expenses: $17,840Starting Salary: $48,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Austin Peay State University known for?
Austin Peay State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Business
- History
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Psychology
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: 48 months
- Format: Fully 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: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Public Management
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Political Science
- Professional Communication - Information Specialist
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Medical Laboratory Science - Mlt To Mls
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Science
Degree Concentrations
- Agri-Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
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.
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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