Best Tennessee Colleges & Universities for 2017-2018

With over 90 public and private schools to choose from, Tennessee has a huge selection of higher education opportunities. Tennessee exceeds the national average in percentage of adult population with a high school diploma or equivalent and is currently working to improve the number of adults with a college degree. One way the state is achieving this goal is by providing college planning programs that encourage high school students to attend college. We looked at those programs as well as other points concerning higher education in the state to create this comprehensive guide, complete with rankings, information on tuition and financial aid availability. We also looked at cost of living and the average alumni debt and income to help give students an overview of what to typically expect from Tennessee schools.

Tennessee College Leaderboard: 2017-2018 Rankings

When seeking out the best colleges, certain criteria always seem to come into play, such as tuition, graduation rates and student-to-teacher ratios. Students can comb through the variety of schools to find this information, or they can turn to rankings. These rankings take into account all the criteria that make certain schools stand out. The rankings list below is a great place for students to begin their search for colleges in Tennessee.

Methodology +

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Chattanooga State Community College	99.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,700	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	8%	N/A	4	59	Yes	Yes
2	Nashville State Community College	99.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,100	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	12%	N/A	2	42	Yes	Yes
3	Dyersburg State Community College	98.95	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,600	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 32%	7%	N/A	0	21	Yes	Yes
4	Roane State Community College	98.79	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,400	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%	17%	99%	1	31	Yes	Yes
5	Volunteer State Community College	98.78	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,100	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%	16%	N/A	8	33	Yes	Yes
6	Walters State Community College	98.51	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,200	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	15%	N/A	1	32	Yes	Yes
7	Cleveland State Community College	98.34	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,300	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 21%	13%	100%	5	34	Yes	Yes
8	Columbia State Community College	98.21	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,500	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 12%	18%	N/A	4	28	No	Yes
9	Pellissippi State Community College	98.11	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,900	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 3%	22%	N/A	4	45	Yes	Yes
10	Southwest Tennessee Community College	97.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,700	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	6%	100%	0	65	Yes	Yes
11	Jackson State Community College	97.21	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,200	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%	10%	N/A	0	16	Yes	Yes
12	Motlow State Community College	97.12	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,700	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	16%	N/A	3	13	Yes	No
13	Northeast State Community College	96.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,100	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	13%	N/A	3	30	Yes	No
14	Remington College-Nashville Campus	96.14	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,200	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 72%	65%	74%	0	8	Yes	No
15	William Moore College of Technology	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. N/A	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	88%	N/A	0	8	Yes	No

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Vanderbilt University	99.77	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $60,900	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 64%	92%	13%	1	172	Yes	No
2	Lipscomb University	98.50	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,000	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	56%	56%	0	128	Yes	Yes
3	Christian Brothers University	97.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,300	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	60%	50%	0	73	Yes	Yes
4	Aquinas College	97.80	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,400	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 76%	80%	61%	0	14	Yes	No
5	Union University	97.29	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,400	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 88%	67%	69%	1	92	Yes	Yes
6	Rhodes College	97.14	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $50,300	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 88%	81%	60%	0	36	Yes	No
7	Southern Adventist University	96.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,500	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	58%	N/A	13	117	Yes	No
8	Carson-Newman University	96.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,400	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	55%	62%	3	112	Yes	No
9	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	96.54	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,300	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 53%	66%	75%	12	172	Yes	No
10	King University	96.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,700	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 82%	49%	57%	9	55	Yes	Yes
11	Sewanee-The University of the South	95.46	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,200	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 74%	78%	65%	0	41	Yes	No
12	Freed-Hardeman University	95.07	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,000	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	54%	93%	6	55	Yes	Yes
13	Belmont University	94.86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 66%	67%	83%	0	84	Yes	Yes
14	Trevecca Nazarene University	94.52	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,500	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	54%	73%	5	97	Yes	Yes
15	Lincoln Memorial University	94.31	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	45%	74%	0	44	Yes	Yes
16	Maryville College	94.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	54%	71%	0	57	Yes	No
17	University of Memphis	93.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,000	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 40%	40%	47%	32	105	Yes	Yes
18	Milligan College	93.12	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,400	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	60%	62%	1	26	Yes	No
19	Tennessee Technological University	92.35	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,700	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 31%	52%	94%	6	56	Yes	No
20	Tusculum College	92.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,000	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	28%	72%	0	36	Yes	Yes
21	Tennessee Wesleyan College	91.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,300	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	45%	67%	2	37	No	Yes
22	Bethel University	91.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,200	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 51%	29%	57%	8	39	Yes	Yes
23	Cumberland University	91.36	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,000	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	31%	46%	5	50	Yes	Yes
24	Tennessee State University	91.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,800	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%	35%	N/A	6	60	Yes	No
25	Fisk University	91.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,800	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	54%	83%	0	24	Yes	No
26	Middle Tennessee State University	90.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,100	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 29%	45%	72%	0	98	Yes	No
27	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	90.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,500	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 39%	38%	77%	3	67	Yes	Yes
28	Lee University	90.31	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,400	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 71%	49%	89%	9	92	Yes	No
29	Welch College	90.14	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,200	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 81%	33%	N/A	1	25	Yes	No
30	The University of Tennessee-Martin	90.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,800	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 51%	49%	73%	9	51	Yes	Yes
31	Bryan College-Dayton	89.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,500	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%	49%	48%	3	36	Yes	No
32	East Tennessee State University	89.76	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,000	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 15%	41%	92%	10	83	Yes	Yes
33	Johnson University	89.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,400	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 87%	62%	56%	8	40	Yes	No
34	Austin Peay State University	88.07	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,700	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 21%	36%	89%	11	46	No	Yes
35	Martin Methodist College	86.33	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	33%	N/A	0	25	Yes	Yes
36	Le Moyne-Owen College	86.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,300	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 18%	8%	52%	0	24	Yes	Yes
37	Lane College	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,000	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 35%	36%	43%	0	15	Yes	No

Explore & Research Tennessee Colleges

In addition to reviewing a rankings list of Tennessee colleges and universities, many prospective students may want to assess other factors when selecting a school. This search tool allows students to sort through schools based on individual needs, such as location and acceptance rates. The results can then be compared side by side to help the discerning student choose between several worthy educational options.

Cost Analysis of Colleges in Tennessee

College can be a financial investment, and not all schools cost the same. One of the most important considerations in choosing a school is the cost of attendance, and for many, this is the single most important factor. The charts below explore what a prospective student can typically expect to see with respect to college tuition in Tennessee as well as the availability of financial aid at Tennessee colleges and universities.

Tennessee’s Most Affordable Colleges

Prospective students should also consider financial aid in conjunction with tuition costs. Subtracting the financial aid award from tuition will provide a net price, which is a more accurate measure of a school’s affordability. The following data provides the net price of the most affordable Tennessee schools and compares those numbers to the national average.

• 1
  
  Christian Brothers University$6,336
• 2
  
  The University of Tennessee-Martin$6,933
• 3
  
  Lincoln Memorial University$9,095

• 4
  
  Middle Tennessee State University$9,169
• 5
  
  Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences$9,425
• 6
  
  Tennessee State University$9,571

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Tennessee College Net Price vs. National Average

$16,643

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Tennessee Colleges With Top Alumni Earnings

One popular reason to attend college is the possibility of maximizing earning potential. How much a graduate will make depends on several factors; however, a few schools tend to produce graduates with higher salaries. Here are the six best schools with respect to alumni who make the most money 10 years after starting college.

• 1
  
  Meharry Medical College$126,700
• 2
  
  Vanderbilt University$60,900
• 3
  
  Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences$54,900

• 4
  
  Rhodes College$50,300
• 5
  
  Christian Brothers University$45,300
• 6
  
  Aquinas College$44,400

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Tennessee Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$38,581

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Tennessee That Produce the Least Student Debt

After financial aid and scholarships are awarded, prospective students may look at loans to offset the cost. Student loan debt, however, can be a heavy undertaking, so students should consider schools that tend to produce graduates with the least amount of debt. These six schools are the top in Tennessee for alumni with the lowest amount of debt.

• 1
  
  Hiwassee College$11,500
• 2
  
  Vanderbilt University$13,750
• 3
  
  Tennessee Technological University$15,625

• 4
  
  Trevecca Nazarene University$18,750
• 5
  
  Bryan College-Dayton$18,750
• 6
  
  Lincoln Memorial University$18,832

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Tennessee College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$23,553

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Cost of Living for Tennessee College Students

One factor to consider when calculating the real-world cost of college attendance is the cost of living. Luckily, living in Tennessee is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living about 14 percent lower than the national average. Tennessee especially stands out with the cost of housing, which is 30 percent lower than the national average. Check out the following chart for more specific cost comparisons of major metropolitan areas in Tennessee.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

College Accreditation in Tennessee

Accreditation is important when deciding among the many Tennessee colleges. Accreditation means a student will receive academic instruction that meets high quality standards. Not only does attending an accredited institution pose well on a résumé, but it also allows students to transfer credits easily and qualify for future graduate study.

Schools can be accredited at the institutional level as well as the programmatic level. In Tennessee, most schools are accredited at the institutional level by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body. Below are two examples of programmatic accreditation.

• The Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology accredits the biomedical engineering program at Vanderbilt University.
• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits counseling programs at the University of Tennessee.

Tennessee College City Spotlight

Knoxville

Since it became a city in 1791, Knoxville has continued to change and grow into the college town it is today, with the University of Tennessee serving as its keystone educational institution. The city's vibrant downtown and busy nightlife are a few of the reasons students might enjoy attending one of the many colleges here.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Johnson University	Private not-for-profit	$13,351	$29,400
Among the 40 graduate and undergraduate programs, students who attend Johnson University can receive a unique level of instruction that covers three primary areas: bible and theology, professional studies, and arts and sciences. The multipronged curriculum trains students to make a difference in the name of Christ. Johnson University's campus in Knoxville was founded in 1893 and offers students a more personalized experience with a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Pellissippi State Community College	Public	$8,601	$26,900
PSCC started in 1974 with only 45 students. Today, more than 11,000 students attend classes at five campuses. Over 25 associate degree programs are offered in areas such as early childhood education, nursing and engineering technology. Students can also enroll in various certificate programs. PSCC participates in Transfer Pathway, where students begin their college education at PSCC and earn credits that can apply to a bachelor's degree.
University of Tennessee	Public	$14,162	$42,300
Originally founded in 1794 as Blount College, the school was renamed the University of Tennessee in 1879. UT is now home to 11 colleges offering over 300 degree programs. Despite having a student body of over 27,000, UT still ensures focused instruction for students with a respectable student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1. UT is also a major research university, with over 60 research institutes and centers, including the famous ?Body Farm? featured in numerous books, movies and television shows.

Nashville

Nashville, known as "Music City USA," is not only immersed in the music scene, but in the culinary scene as well. It was named "The Coolest, Tastiest City in the South" by Bon Appetit magazine. If a student happens to be a music lover and a foodie, these colleges can put them right in the center of the action.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Nashville State Community College	Public	$6,316	$30,100
Established in 1970, Nashville State Community College offers numerous associate degree and certificate programs in over 80 subjects, including civil and construction engineering technology, law enforcement, computer information technology and health sciences. With six campuses, students have plenty of convenient locations to receive their college education. NSCC also offers students the ability to start their bachelor's degree and then transfer to another school to complete their four years of study.
Tennessee State University	Public	$9,571	$35,800
Founded in 1912, TSU currently offers 77 majors, 38 undergraduate degrees and 24 graduate degrees in academic areas, such as nursing, business administration, criminal justice, social work and public policy. TSU is unique in that it has two Nashville campuses, one in the suburbs and one downtown. As a result, students will be able to enjoy different aspects of Nashville living. The student body is approximately 8,900 with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1.
Vanderbilt University	Private not-for-profit	$17,340	$60,900
Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873 following a gift from Cornelius Vanderbilt to endow and build the school. Vanderbilt is a private, non-profit institution that currently has about 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Students can study in one of the 10 colleges and schools in areas such as law, divinity, medicine and music.

Source: College Scorecard

Resources for Prospective Tennessee College Students

College is an exciting time, but simply getting in can be stressful. Fortunately, Tennessee offers these programs and resources designed to help prospective students.