Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025

Badge for BEST IN TENNESSEE PUBLIC COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: May 5, 2021
Updated: Oct 17, 2024

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.

Table of Contents

Best Public Colleges in Tennessee in 2025

University of Tennessee
University of Memphis
Tennessee State University
+1
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
+2
Middle Tennessee State University
–2
East Tennessee State University
–1
University of Tennessee at Martin
+1
Tennessee Tech
–1
Austin Peay State 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 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.