Best
Private Colleges in Nashville in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Nashville, Tennessee, combines foundational business knowledge with access to a diverse economy spanning healthcare, music, tourism, and finance. Typical courses include accounting, marketing, management, economics, business law, finance, and organizational behavior. Graduates often pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or account executive. Popular options include Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. These schools offer business programs.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Nashville, Tennessee, combines scientific study of behavior with opportunities to explore a lively city. Courses commonly include research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Trevecca Nazarene University offer psychology study options. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, youth program coordinator, or research assistant; clinical practice typically requires advanced graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Nashville, TN, combines programming foundations with problem solving and access to a technology, healthcare, and music-business scene. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular options include Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants, working across industries from startups to hospitals and financial services.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Nashville, Tennessee, typically combines psychology foundations, counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Students may explore specialties such as school, clinical mental health, or marriage and family counseling. Nashville-area options include Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, case managers, substance-use counselors, or counseling program coordinators, subject to degree, licensure, and employer requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Nashville, Tennessee, offers pathways from associate to bachelor's and graduate degrees at Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Nashville State Community College. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and supervised clinical practice. Students build skills in patient care, communication, and evidence-based decision-making across hospital and community settings. Graduates work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, or clinical coordinators, depending on degree level, licensure, and experience.

Best Colleges in Nashville, TN Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 20,100.0, compared with 40,560.0 at schools in the top 10%, a substantially higher median cost among the top-ranked schools.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 64.25% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 64.25%. Schools receive an average of 9,136.38 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 21,617.4 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 1,248.5, compared with 2,106.0 female applicants.
• The average SAT score is 1,218.0 and the average ACT score is 26.4.
• Schools average 3,203.18 enrolled students, including averages of 251.38 enrolled men and 355.88 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 53.44%, compared with 76.4% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 41.0% for men and 56.0% for women.
• Nine institutions offer associate's degrees, 10 offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 11 coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, academic measures, and graduation outcomes. Consider how the overall and gender-specific enrollment and graduation figures relate to your needs, and check which degree levels are available. The top 10% schools have higher median costs and applicant numbers, but also a higher average graduation rate, so weigh these factors against your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Nashville, TN cost?

The average total cost of studying in Nashville, TN, is $25,843.36. Treat this as an estimate rather than a guaranteed bill: what you pay depends on your college, program, housing choice, and financial aid. Comparing the cost of attendance at Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, or Lipscomb University can help you find an option that fits your goals and budget.

Additional averages list tuition and fees at $27,381.27, room and board at $13,855.57, and books and supplies at $1,216.67. These component figures do not add up to the reported total, so confirm itemized costs directly with each school before making a budget. Ask about scholarships, grants, commuting, and living at home; these choices may lower your out-of-pocket expenses. Nashville's range of public and private colleges gives you meaningful choices, and careful planning can make pursuing a degree feel more manageable and exciting.

How long does it take to finish college in Nashville, TN?

In Nashville, TN, a full-time bachelor's degree usually takes about four years, while an associate degree commonly takes two; many master's programs add one to two years. At schools such as Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Nashville State Community College, your timeline depends on major, course availability, and whether you study full-time. A plan can make the goal feel manageable and exciting.

Graduation figures offer a reality check: the average graduation rate is 53.44%, compared with 76.4% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 45.33% for men and 59.33% for women, so ask campuses about advising and completion support as you compare options. You may finish sooner by bringing in AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible coursework, taking summer classes, choosing an accelerated program, or earning credit for prior learning. At Nashville State, starting with transferable courses can create an affordable path toward a four-year degree.

Salary

After graduating from college in Nashville, TN, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,872. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $66,564. These figures offer a useful benchmark, though your own earnings can vary based on your field, experience, and career path.

Nashville students can choose from institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University. With a range of schools and career possibilities in the city, earning a degree can be an encouraging step toward building the future you want.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Nashville?

"Prettiest" is subjective, but Belmont University is a strong choice if you love a leafy, welcoming campus with striking historic architecture. Its central Nashville location and attractive grounds make it feel like a peaceful retreat without putting the city far away. Vanderbilt is another beautiful option, especially if you're drawn to shaded paths and collegiate Gothic buildings.

What is the most selective college in Nashville?

Vanderbilt University is generally considered Nashville's most selective college. Its highly competitive admissions process reflects strong demand and a limited number of places, so applicants typically need excellent academic records and a thoughtful application. For a Nashville student, the payoff can be an academically ambitious community, a beautiful campus, and access to opportunities across the city.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Nashville, TN Ranking in 2026-2027

Vanderbilt University offers a highly selective Nashville experience, with 13,575 enrolled students and a 6% acceptance rate. Its 94% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $65,688. The listed total study cost is $65,008, so compare aid and living expenses before enrolling. For a Nashville student, Vanderbilt combines a large research-university environment with access to the city's cultural and professional opportunities. It may suit applicants seeking strong completion outcomes and career prospects locally.

Fisk University is a historically Black university in Nashville, offering a small-campus setting with 1,059 enrolled students. Its 37% acceptance rate is more accessible than Vanderbilt's, though its graduation rate is 30%. The listed total cost is $23,880, and median alumni salary is $39,800. For students already based in Nashville, Fisk makes it possible to pursue a degree within the city while engaging with its academic community and local history. Consider support services and program fit alongside affordability and outcomes.

Lipscomb University enrolls 5,008 students in Nashville and reports a 68% acceptance rate. Its 72% graduation rate stands second among the five schools, and its median alumni salary is $51,427. The listed total cost is $37,460. For a Nashville resident, studying at Lipscomb can mean pursuing campus life without leaving the city, with local access to internships, services, and cultural activities. Prospective students should compare degree offerings, financial aid, and commuting needs to decide whether the university fits their goals.

American Baptist College is a small Nashville institution, with 46 enrolled students, offering an intimate setting for degree seekers. Its graduation rate is 39%; acceptance-rate and median-alumni-salary figures are not available in the supplied data. The listed total cost is $12,000, the lowest among these five colleges. For Nashville residents, remaining in the city may simplify commuting and keep students close to local resources. Ask the college about available programs, financial aid, student support, and career outcomes when evaluating fit.

Trevecca Nazarene University is a Nashville college with 3,272 enrolled students and a 69% acceptance rate. Its graduation rate is 53%, while median alumni salary is $44,470. The listed total cost of study is $29,750. For a student living in Nashville, Trevecca offers the chance to earn a degree locally and remain connected to the city's community and employment landscape. Compare its programs, financial-aid options, and commuting arrangements with your priorities before deciding whether its environment is right for you.