Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Tennessee? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

  • Students are able to study a wide range of disciplines at research universities in Tennessee, such as African and African American Studies, Criminal Justice, Data Analytics, and more!
  • Tennessee is home to some of the best research universities in the country, such as Vanderbilt University.
  • The best research universities in Tennessee are known for their excellent STEM programs.

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 ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities in Tennessee saw slight movement. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga raised two points as a result of the creation of the Chattanooga Tech and Innovation Center, which offers students hands-on experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The university has also expanded its health and wellness programs, introducing new fitness facilities, mental health resources, and wellness coaching tailored to student needs. Additionally, UTC has implemented a sustainability initiative, including solar energy projects and eco-friendly campus enhancements. These developments, combined with expanded internship and career opportunities through local industry partnerships, highlight UTC’s commitment to innovation, well-being, and career readiness.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 14 research universities in Tennessee. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Best Research Universities in Tennessee

  1. #1

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $86,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    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. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,336
    Expenses: $15,556
    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. Other Rankings

    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: $9,848
    Expenses: $14,950
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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. Other Rankings

    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: $9,232
    Expenses: $15,322
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    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: $9,438
    Expenses: $17,323
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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. #8

    Belmont University

    Nashville , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Belmont University

    Cost of Degree: $39,850
    Expenses: $20,630
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Lipscomb University

    Cost of Degree: $37,152
    Expenses: $19,536
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Lipscomb University’s Online Degrees

    BA/BS in Customer Experience
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 33-60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Customer Experience
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Supply Chain and Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Supply Chain and Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1086/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $25,180
    Expenses: $16,540
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Union University

    Cost of Degree: $19,363
    Expenses: $19,460
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Management
    • Project Management
    • Health Management
    • Church Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #12

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $9,802
    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
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Trevecca Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $28,500
    Expenses: $12,410
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  13. #14

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1061/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $14,964
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Find the Best Research Universities in Tennessee for 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. Vanderbilt University
  2. University of Tennessee
  3. Tennessee State University
  4. Middle Tennessee State University
  5. University of Memphis
  6. Lincoln Memorial University
  7. Carson–Newman University
  8. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  9. Lipscomb University
  10. Union University
  11. Tennessee Tech
  12. East Tennessee State University
  13. Trevecca Nazarene University
  14. Belmont University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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