Most
Popular Colleges in Nashville in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Nashville, TN, combines core business knowledge with access to the city's healthcare, music, finance, and hospitality industries. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and organizational behavior. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, sales representative, or business analyst. Nashville-area options include Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University, and Nashville State Community College, which offer business-related programs for different career goals.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Nashville offers a blend of academic study and community experience. Typical courses include developmental, cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, alongside statistics, research methods, and ethics. Popular local options include Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. Graduates commonly pursue entry-level work as behavioral health technicians, case management assistants, research assistants, or human resources staff. Counseling, clinical practice, and licensed psychologist roles require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Nashville, TN, typically combines programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and mathematics. Students build projects and develop analytical, collaborative, and problem-solving skills. Popular local options include Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, computer systems analysts, web developers, cybersecurity analysts, database administrators, or data scientists, working across Nashville's healthcare, music, finance, and technology sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Nashville, TN, combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and research with supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue licensure and careers as mental health counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance use counselors, depending on their degree and credentials. Popular local options include Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, and Tennessee State University, each offering relevant counseling or counselor education degree programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Nashville, TN, offers pathways from associate and bachelor's degrees to advanced practice. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, health assessment, and clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, or long-term care, while advanced study can lead to nurse practitioner or educator roles. Local options include Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Nashville State Community College.

Best Colleges in Nashville, TN Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $23,880, compared with $45,449.60 at schools in the top 10%.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, versus 64.89% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 64.89%. Schools receive an average of 9,194.56 applicants, compared with 18,218.6 at top 10% schools; the median applicant counts are 1,637 men and 2,624 women.
• Average scores are 1,218 on the SAT and 26.4 on the ACT.
• Schools average 4,201.67 enrolled students, including an average of 254.11 men and 383.44 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.25%, compared with 78.6% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 40.5% for men and 56.0% for women.
• Seven institutions offer associate's degrees, 8 offer bachelor's degrees, 7 offer master's degrees, and 5 offer doctor's degrees.
• Nine schools are coeducational; none are schools for men, and none are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, enrollment, graduation outcomes, degree offerings, and the student experience that best fits your goals. The figures show that top 10% schools have higher median costs and applicant counts, but also higher average graduation rates, so consider how those trade-offs align with your priorities.

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

The reported average total cost of studying in Nashville, TN, is $29,046.56. Treat this as a planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed price for completing an entire degree: your total depends on your school, program, length of study, housing, and financial aid. Nashville students can compare universities such as Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University to find the right academic environment and a cost that feels manageable.

• Average tuition and fees: $29,295.78
• Average room and board: $13,885.29
• Average books and supplies: $1,217.50

The listed categories do not add up to the reported total, so confirm current tuition, living expenses, and fees directly with each college before making a decision. Ask admissions offices about grants, scholarships, transfer credits, and payment plans; these details can make a Nashville degree feel more achievable and help you compare the true cost of attending each campus before you enroll with confidence.

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

In Nashville, TN, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes two, while part-time study can take longer. Vanderbilt, Belmont, Tennessee State, and Lipscomb offer programs, and your course load and transfer credits affect your timing.

You may finish sooner by transferring accepted AP, dual-enrollment, or prior college credits, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated program. Ask an academic advisor which courses are available each term and confirm that credits count toward your requirements; careful planning can save time without making your schedule unmanageable.

Graduation data offer a reality check: the average graduation rate is 54.25%, while the average for the top 10% of schools is 78.6%. Average rates are 46.0% for men and 58.5% for women. These figures are averages, not predictions for a Nashville campus. Ask early about tutoring, advising, and transfer-credit support to build a realistic path to graduation.

Salary

After graduating from a college or university in Nashville, a useful salary benchmark is a median alumni salary of $44,470 a year - about $3,706 a month before taxes. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is $58,712.80 a year, or about $4,893 a month before taxes.

Your own earnings will depend on your major, experience, and employer. Nashville offers a range of college options, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University, with graduates entering fields such as health care, business, education, and technology. Comparing programs and career outcomes can help you find a path that makes the most of your degree - and feel more confident about the opportunities ahead.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Nashville?

Vanderbilt University is generally the largest college in Nashville by total student enrollment, with roughly 13,800 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its campus offers a lively mix of academic and social opportunities, and Nashville's music, food, and cultural scene is close by. Enrollment totals can vary from year to year.

What is the richest university in Nashville?

Vanderbilt University is also Nashville's wealthiest university when measured by endowment. Its endowment was about $10.9 billion in fiscal year 2024, supporting teaching, research, financial aid, and other university priorities. For students, that financial strength can help sustain a broad range of programs and campus resources.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Nashville, TN Ranking in 2026-2027

Vanderbilt University offers Nashville students a selective option 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 reaches $65,688. Total cost of studying is $65,008, a substantial investment balanced by strong completion and earnings outcomes. Located in Nashville, it lets prospective students consider a prominent research university while comparing living and educational choices across the city. Known for rigorous academics and a broad campus community.

Fisk University is a historic Nashville institution offering a smaller campus community, with 1,059 enrolled students. Its acceptance rate is 37%, while 30% of students graduate. The total cost of study is $23,880, the lowest among these five options, and median alumni salary is $39,800. For students planning to stay in Nashville, Fisk provides a local college experience and a more accessible price point, though applicants should weigh its graduation and salary figures alongside academic goals and available support services.

Lipscomb University gives Nashville-area students a mid-sized option, enrolling 5,008 students. Its 68% acceptance rate is relatively high within this group, and its 72% graduation rate ranks second. The total cost is $37,460, with median alumni salary of $51,427. As a Nashville-based private Christian university, Lipscomb may suit students seeking faith-informed campus life alongside city opportunities. Compare commute, program fit and financial aid carefully to judge value relative to nearby institutions and your preferred career path and personal long-term goals.

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a Nashville option with 3,272 enrolled students. Its 69% acceptance rate is among the highest in this set, while its graduation rate is 53%. Its total study cost is $29,750, and median alumni salary is $44,470. As a private Nazarene university in Nashville, it can appeal to students interested in a faith-oriented environment and local access. Compare academic programs, campus culture and aid packages to determine whether its cost and outcomes match your priorities and plans.

Tennessee State University gives Nashville students a public university choice and a historically Black campus community. It enrolls 5,365 students, with a 70% acceptance rate and a 34% graduation rate. Total study cost is $21,168, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary is $42,416. As a Nashville-based institution, TSU allows students to pursue a degree close to home and explore city resources. Review programs, financial aid and completion support when assessing affordability and fit for your educational and career goals.