Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN TENNESSEE
By Dr. James Barham
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.

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in Tennessee offer competitive tuition rates and affordable fees, making higher education more accessible without the burden of significant student debt.
  • Many affordable colleges in Tennessee provide robust financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to further reduce costs for students.
  • These institutions often focus on career-oriented programs, offering strong job placement services, internships, and partnerships with local industries, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee in 2025

  1. University of Tennessee
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Tennessee State University
    +1
  4. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
    +2
  5. Middle Tennessee State University
    –2
  6. East Tennessee State University
    –1
  7. University of Tennessee at Martin
    +1
  8. Tennessee Tech
    –1
  9. University of Tennessee Southern
    +3
  10. Austin Peay State University
    –1

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 most affordable colleges in Tennessee saw a few changes. The University of Tennessee Southern gained the most ranking positions as the university launched the Center for Rural Health and Community Wellness, which provides students with hands-on experience in healthcare and public health initiatives tailored to rural communities. The university has also expanded its online degree offerings, making education more accessible to remote learners, and modernized its STEM facilities with cutting-edge labs and technology.

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.

Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee

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

  1. #1

    University of Tennessee

    Knoxville , TN
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee

    Cost of Degree: $13,484
    Expenses: $20,194
    Starting Salary: $56,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025

    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: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Tennessee State University

    Nashville , TN
    #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,568
    Expenses: $17,300
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

    Chattanooga , TN
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    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: $10,144
    Expenses: $16,402
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Middle Tennessee State University

    Murfreesboro , TN
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    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: $9,506
    Expenses: $18,314
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middle Tennessee State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    East Tennessee State University

    Johnson City , TN
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025

    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: $9,706
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Tennessee at Martin

    Martin , TN
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee at Martin

    Cost of Degree: $10,194
    Expenses: $13,380
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Tennessee Tech

    Cookeville , TN
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #4 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Tech

    Cost of Degree: $10,084
    Expenses: $17,182
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tennessee Tech known for?

    Tennessee Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Tennessee Southern

    Pulaski , TN
    #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: $10,506
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee Southern known for?

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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1076/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Austin Peay State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,675
    Expenses: $17,840
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Lane College

    Jackson , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lane College

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $11,890
    Starting Salary: $27,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lane College known for?

    Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    LeMoyne–Owen College

    Memphis , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College

    Cost of Degree: $12,076
    Expenses: $8,100
    Starting Salary: $30,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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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 Tech
  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
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