Best
Public Colleges in Tennessee in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Tennessee offers preparation for careers across industries and access to universities. Programs commonly cover accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and organizational behavior, often alongside internships or applied projects. Tennessee options include the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Vanderbilt University; Middle Tennessee State University; and the University of Memphis. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or sales representative, with advancement through experience.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Tennessee typically combines coursework in developmental, cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology with research methods, statistics, and laboratory experience. Popular options include Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, and Belmont University. Graduates may pursue entry-level work in human services, case management, market research, education, or human resources. Becoming a licensed psychologist or clinical therapist generally requires graduate study, supervised experience, and applicable state licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Tennessee combines programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular options include the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Vanderbilt University; Tennessee Technological University; and the University of Memphis. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, data analysts, or IT support professionals. Programs may emphasize theory, application, or emerging technologies, helping students prepare for varied careers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Tennessee combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, and research with supervised fieldwork. Students can explore school counseling or clinical mental health. Popular options include Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the University of Memphis, and Lipscomb University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance use counselors, or college advisers; clinical practice typically requires relevant state licensure and supervised postdegree experience.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Tennessee combines learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and maternal, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Graduates may pursue work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or public-health agencies. Popular Tennessee colleges offering nursing study include Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, East Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and the University of Memphis.

Best Colleges in Tennessee Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 14,842.0, compared with 29,512.0 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-ranked group substantially more expensive by this measure.
• Financial aid is widespread: an average of 99.0% of students receive aid, versus 76.7% at schools in the top 10%. The average acceptance rate is 76.7%.
• Schools receive an average of 14,474.7 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 19,552.0. The median applicant counts are 3,591.5 men and 6,621.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,115.0 on the SAT and 23.0 on the ACT. Average enrollment is 13,235.36 students, with averages of 991.9 enrolled men and 1,255.3 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 50.4%, compared with 59.6% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 45.5% for men and 55.5% for women.
• Among the institutions represented, 3 offer associate's degrees, 11 offer bachelor's degrees, 11 offer master's degrees, and 9 offer doctor's degrees. There are 11 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the total cost with the financial aid available, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, and test scores fit your circumstances. Also weigh graduation rates and degree offerings against your academic goals; the averages and top-10% comparisons can help guide your research, but the best choice depends on your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Tennessee cost?

The average reported cost of studying in Tennessee is $17,927.82, a useful starting point for estimating a degree's cost. Tuition and fees average $11,099.55; room and board, $11,798.70; and books and supplies, $1,330.40. These statewide averages offer a benchmark, but your actual budget depends on college, housing, and enrollment.

• Tuition and fees average $11,099.55.
• Room and board average $11,798.70.
• Books and supplies average $1,330.40.

These averages are separate figures, so adding the categories will not recreate the reported total. Tennessee students can compare campus housing with living at home, check financial aid, and plan for books to keep expenses manageable. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, or the University of Memphis, request a personalized cost estimate; each school's actual price may differ from the statewide average, before making your final college choice in Tennessee.

How long does it take to finish college in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, earning a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree commonly takes about two years. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, or Middle Tennessee State University, timeline depends on program, course load, and whether you attend full time. Students who need clinical placements, labs, or a sequenced major may need longer, while part-time study can extend schedule. The average graduation rate is 50.4%, indicating that completing a degree isn't guaranteed within the timeframe. The average for the top 10% of schools is 59.6%; reported averages are 45.4% for men and 54.0% for women.

• You may finish sooner by earning AP or dual-enrollment credits in high school, transferring credits, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated course plan. Before enrolling, confirm credits apply to your major and check advising and financial-aid rules; a plan can save time and make graduation feel achievable.

Salary

College graduates in Tennessee earn a median alumni salary of about $44,747. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $50,802. These figures offer a useful starting point as you weigh the cost of a degree against the opportunities it may open up.

Students at popular Tennessee schools such as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, and the University of Memphis may see different outcomes depending on their field and career path. Earnings can also vary with experience, location, and the type of role you pursue.

• Fields, employers, and career choices can affect what you earn after graduation.
• Median alumni salaries describe the midpoint for graduates, not a guaranteed starting salary.
• Comparing programs, costs, and career opportunities can help you choose a degree that fits your goals.

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University in Nashville is generally regarded as Tennessee's most prestigious college, thanks to its strong national reputation, selective admissions, and respected programs across fields such as medicine, education, engineering, and the liberal arts. For Tennessee students, it offers the excitement of a major university alongside access to Nashville's cultural and professional opportunities.

Which city in Tennessee has the best public schools?

Brentwood is often named among Tennessee's strongest places for public schools. Located in Williamson County, it benefits from a school district known for high academic performance and broad extracurricular options. School rankings can change and depend on the criteria used, so families should also compare individual schools, enrollment zones, and current district information.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in Tennessee Ranking in 2026-2027

Located in Memphis, the University of Memphis offers Tennessee students an urban campus experience with access to the state's largest city and its cultural, healthcare, and business communities. It enrolls 19,652 students, and its 72% acceptance rate may appeal to applicants seeking a broad-access public university. The reported total study cost is $13,512, with a 51% graduation rate and median alumni salary of $45,279. These figures offer useful starting points when comparing affordability, completion, and outcomes for Tennessee degree seekers.

Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro gives Tennessee students a large public-university setting between Nashville and the broader central region. Its enrollment is 20,488, the largest among these five schools, while its acceptance rate is 69%. The listed total cost is $29,512; its graduation rate is 54%, and median alumni salary is $44,170. Students weighing campus scale against price can compare these figures with their own financial aid offers and career plans before choosing a Tennessee degree that fits them.

East Tennessee State University, based in Johnson City, offers students a public university experience in the Appalachian region of Tennessee. Its 13,728 students and 86% acceptance rate indicate a relatively accessible campus compared with many selective institutions. The reported total study cost is $11,630, the lowest among these five schools. ETSU's graduation rate is 53%, and median alumni salary is $46,228. For Tennessee residents considering East Tennessee, these numbers help frame affordability, admission prospects, and potential post-graduation earnings after college.

Tennessee State University is a public historically Black university in Nashville, offering Tennessee students an urban setting and a distinct institutional tradition. It enrolls 5,365 students, the smallest figure among the five schools, and admits 70% of applicants. Its reported total study cost is $21,168. The graduation rate is 34%, while median alumni salary reaches $42,416. Applicants should consider these outcomes alongside their intended major, support needs, finances, and goals for earning a degree in Tennessee for Tennessee degree seekers.

Tennessee Technological University, commonly called Tennessee Tech, is a public university in Cookeville that may suit students seeking a campus in the Upper Cumberland. It enrolls 10,466 students and has a 76% acceptance rate. The reported total study cost is $14,190, with a 58% graduation rate, the highest in this group, and median alumni salary of $47,533, also the highest listed. These figures make it worth comparing for Tennessee students balancing cost, completion, and early-career earnings after earning a degree.