Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2023

Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Tennessee. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2022

  1. University of Tennessee
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Middle Tennessee State University
  4. Tennessee State University
  5. East Tennessee State University
  6. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  7. Tennessee Technological University
  8. University of Tennessee at Martin
  9. Austin Peay State University
  10. Lane College

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?

Tennessee’s Best Overall

Tennessee's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

There are 15 colleges and universities in Tennessee with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Tennessee is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Back to Top

Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    What 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
    • 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
  4. #4

    Tennessee State University

    Nashville , TN
    #3 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #4 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    6K

    What is Tennessee State University known for?

    Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  5. #5

    East Tennessee State University

    Johnson City , TN
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/23

    What is East Tennessee State University known for?

    East Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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. #6

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga , TN
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2023 #7 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    What is University of Tennessee at Chattanooga known for?

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  8. #7

    Tennessee Technological University

    Cookeville , TN
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    What is Tennessee Technological University known for?

    Tennessee Technological University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tennessee Technological University’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. #8

    University of Tennessee at Martin

    Martin , TN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #8 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    6K

    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
  10. #9

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #9 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1053/21

    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
  13. #11

    LeMoyne–Owen College

    Memphis , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?

    LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #12

    University of Tennessee Southern

    Pulaski , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1017/20

    What is University of Tennessee Southern known for?

    University of Tennessee Southern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

Back to Top

Tennessee’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Austin Peay State University
  2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  3. Tennessee Technological University
  4. Tennessee State University
  5. Middle Tennessee State University
  6. East Tennessee State University
  7. University of Memphis
  8. University of Tennessee at Martin
  9. Bethel University
  10. LeMoyne–Owen College
  11. Lane College
  12. University of Tennessee
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.