Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Small colleges in Tennessee are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- Fisk University
- Rhodes College
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Lincoln Memorial University
- Lipscomb University
- Bryan College
- Lee University
- Union University
- King University
- Cumberland University
- Fisk University
- Rhodes College
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Lipscomb University
- Cumberland University
- Lincoln Memorial University
- King University
- Union University
- Lee University
- Maryville College
- LeMoyne–Owen College 100%
- Freed–Hardeman University 91%
- Bethel University 89%
- Christian Brothers University 87%
- Tusculum University 81%
- Carson–Newman University 80%
- University of Tennessee Southern 80%
- Lincoln Memorial University 78%
- Lee University 73%
- Fisk University 71%
- Trevecca Nazarene University 22 to 1
- Bethel University 17 to 1
- Cumberland University 16 to 1
- Tusculum University 16 to 1
- Lane College 15 to 1
- Southern Adventist University 15 to 1
- Freed–Hardeman University 13 to 1
- Lipscomb University 13 to 1
- Bryan College 13 to 1
- University of Tennessee Southern 12 to 1
- Rhodes College $52,310
- Sewanee: The University of the South $51,146
- Maryville College $37,758
- Lipscomb University $37,152
- Union University $36,880
- Christian Brothers University $35,520
- King University $33,784
- Carson–Newman University $33,000
- Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200
- Tennessee Wesleyan University $27,350
- Rhodes College $52,000
- Fisk University $21,600
- Tennessee Wesleyan University $20,870
- Lincoln Memorial University $19,160
- Sewanee: The University of the South $18,000
- Lipscomb University $17,370
- Lee University $15,750
- Christian Brothers University $14,977
- Maryville College $14,400
- King University $14,181
- Daymar Institute
- Tusculum University
- Freed–Hardeman University
- University of Tennessee Southern
- LeMoyne–Owen College
- Bethel University
- Welch College
- Lane College
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- Tennessee Wesleyan University
- Daymar Institute
- Bethel University
- Freed–Hardeman University
- Welch College
- Tusculum University
- LeMoyne–Owen College
- Southern Adventist University
- Carson–Newman University
- Bryan College
- Tennessee Wesleyan University
- Sewanee: The University of the South 52%
- Union University 53%
- Rhodes College 54%
- King University 61%
- Tennessee Wesleyan University 61%
- Cumberland University 66%
- Southern Adventist University 66%
- Maryville College 70%
- Lipscomb University 71%
- Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
- Lincoln Memorial University 8 to 1
- Welch College 8 to 1
- Union University 8 to 1
- Rhodes College 9 to 1
- Christian Brothers University 9 to 1
- Tennessee Wesleyan University 10 to 1
- Daymar Institute 10 to 1
- Sewanee: The University of the South 10 to 1
- Carson–Newman University 10 to 1
- King University 11 to 1
- University of Tennessee Southern $10,200
- Lane College $11,790
- LeMoyne–Owen College $12,076
- Bethel University $17,482
- Bryan College $17,900
- Welch College $20,170
- Lee University $21,730
- Daymar Institute $22,225
- Fisk University $23,578
- Southern Adventist University $23,870
- Cumberland University $7,800
- Welch College $8,100
- University of Tennessee Southern $8,910
- Carson–Newman University $9,207
- Bryan College $10,026
- Trevecca Nazarene University $11,424
- Freed–Hardeman University $11,430
- Bethel University $11,448
- Southern Adventist University $12,150
- Union University $12,360
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?
- 14 Research Universities
- 21 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 14 Graduate Schools
- 9 Public Colleges & Universities
- 26 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 24 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 15 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 13 Community Colleges
- 21 Online Colleges
Tennessee’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Tennessee is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 24 small colleges in Tennessee. The list below of the best small colleges in Tennessee. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2023
- #3 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/22
Career Outlook for degree at Fisk University
Cost of Degree: $24,298Expenses: $17,198Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fisk University known for?
Fisk University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
85%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/30
Career Outlook for degree at Rhodes College
Cost of Degree: $54,892Expenses: $16,654Starting Salary: $64,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rhodes College known for?
Rhodes College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
81%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1306/29
Career Outlook for degree at Sewanee: The University of the South
Cost of Degree: $53,704Expenses: $18,288Starting Salary: $51,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sewanee: The University of the South known for?
Sewanee: The University of the South’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Economics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Online MBA in Operations Management Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $26,150Expenses: $17,408Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #14 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
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: $38,824Expenses: $20,854Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lipscomb University known for?
Lipscomb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Education
- Medical
- Political Science
- History
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College
Cost of Degree: $18,900Expenses: $13,470Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bryan College known for?
Bryan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Bryan College’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management or Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/23
Career Outlook for degree at Lee University
Cost of Degree: $22,690Expenses: $14,610Starting Salary: $37,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lee University known for?
Lee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Social Work
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Human Services #4 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #12 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #18 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
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: $20,302Expenses: $20,826Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union University known for?
Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Education
- History
- Physics
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
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #24 Best Online Associate in General Studies
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at King University
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $15,484Starting Salary: $50,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is King University known for?
King University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Social Work
- Communications
- Business
- Education
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
King University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Technology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024 #19 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
49%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Cumberland University
Cost of Degree: $27,840Expenses: $16,900Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cumberland University known for?
Cumberland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Medical
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Cumberland University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Nursing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025 #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University
Cost of Degree: $37,300Expenses: $14,252Starting Salary: $50,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Christian Brothers University known for?
Christian Brothers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Christian Brothers University’s Online Degrees
BA in Professional Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Organizational Psychology
- Public Health
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Organizational Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Business Law
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Organization and Management
- International Business
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Public Health
Degree Concentrations
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Global Public Health
- Public Health of Mental Illness
- Social and Behavioral Public Health
- Social Determinants of Health and Well-being
- Public Health Research Methods
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #10 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024 #17 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $34,700Expenses: $15,843Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/23
Career Outlook for degree at Maryville College
Cost of Degree: $38,514Expenses: $17,214Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Maryville College known for?
Maryville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $25,590Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Adventist University known for?
Southern Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Computer Science
- History
- Business
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Adventist University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science to Post Master's in Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Required Credits: 77
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #16 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,264Expenses: $13,816Starting Salary: $43,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee Wesleyan University known for?
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
- #12 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
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: $30,090Starting Salary: $49,000What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?
Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Education
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
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
18%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lane College
Cost of Degree: $11,790Expenses: $11,890Starting Salary: $27,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lane College known for?
Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Sociology
- Literature
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #13 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #21 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
59%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Welch College
Cost of Degree: $20,796Expenses: $17,116Starting Salary: $31,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Welch College known for?
Welch College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Welch College’s Online Degrees
BS in Theological Studies
Degree Concentrations
- General Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #14 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #20 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1029/19
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $17,530Expenses: $13,745Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethel University known for?
Bethel University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Bethel University ’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Services Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
18%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College
Cost of Degree: $12,076Expenses: $8,100Starting Salary: $30,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?
LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee Southern
Cost of Degree: $10,506Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee Southern known for?
University of Tennessee Southern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $13,590Starting Salary: $41,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Freed–Hardeman University known for?
Freed–Hardeman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Business
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #15 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #22 Best Online Associate in English
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/19
Career Outlook for degree at Tusculum University
Cost of Degree: $28,500Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tusculum University known for?
Tusculum University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tusculum University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Independent Studies in English major
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Communication & Public Relations
- Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
- 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
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
74%
Student body
<1K
What is Daymar Institute known for?
Daymar Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tennessee’s Best Small 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.
- Rhodes College
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Fisk University
- Bryan College
- Southern Adventist University
- Lincoln Memorial University
- Maryville College
- Carson–Newman University
- King University
- Tusculum University
- Lipscomb University
- Lee University
- Cumberland University
- Union University
- Christian Brothers University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- Freed–Hardeman University
- Tennessee Wesleyan University
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.