#5 in Economics
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Acceptance
6%
Total Cost
$80,184
SAT
1500–1570
Vanderbilt blends Southern charm and academic intensity in Music City's heart, where you'll chase ambitions amid live music and magnolia trees.
Explore Tennessee Colleges
Colleges in Tennessee
Explore 55 colleges and universities in Tennessee, including 11 public institutions and 44 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
55
Colleges
11
Public
44
Private
Tennessee at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
76%
Average acceptance rate for Tennessee colleges
Avg Net Price
$19,375
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$19,927
For public universities
Tennessee Colleges Directory
Browse 55 colleges in Tennessee, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#45 in Communications
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Acceptance
42%
Total Cost
$24,688
SAT
1200–1370
Tennessee's flagship where orange-blooded Vols chase SEC glory alongside nuclear engineering and supply chain prowess.
#49 in Liberal Arts
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN
Acceptance
50%
Total Cost
$65,620
SAT
1300–1486
Rhodes College delivers intimate liberal arts rigor wrapped in Memphis blues and barbecue, where Southern intellect meets urban grit.
#53 in Nursing
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
Acceptance
95%
Total Cost
$53,010
SAT
1160–1350
Nashville's faith-rooted university blending top-tier music training with business savvy and city access.
#54 in Liberal Arts
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN
Acceptance
57%
Total Cost
$66,891
SAT
1260–1390
Perched on a misty 13,000-acre forested plateau, Sewanee wraps you in Southern Gothic intellectualism, an ironclad honor code, and endless trails where foxhounds bay at dawn.
#75 in Nursing
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Acceptance
72%
Total Cost
$19,694
SAT
915–1180
Vibrant public university in music-rich Memphis powering practical careers in business, engineering, and health sciences.
#91 in Best Value
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN
Acceptance
81%
Total Cost
$21,438
SAT
1013–1210
Mid-sized public university in scenic Chattanooga blending practical academics with riverfront access and outdoor pursuits.
#140 in Liberal Arts
Maryville College
Maryville, TN
Acceptance
61%
Total Cost
$50,140
SAT
1018–1188
Small liberal arts college in Tennessee's Smoky Mountain foothills where every student tackles hands-on internships and outdoor expeditions.
#143 in Public Universities
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN
Acceptance
76%
Total Cost
$21,496
SAT
1048–1310
Public engineering powerhouse offering hands-on STEM education in Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau.
#167 in Best Value
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
Acceptance
70%
Total Cost
$17,542
SAT
880–1050
Tennessee State University blends historic legacy with vibrant Nashville energy as a leading HBCU focused on opportunity and community.
FAQs about Tennessee Colleges
Vanderbilt University is the highest-ranked university in Tennessee, ranked #19 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Tennessee colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $19,927 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,901. After financial aid, the average net price is $19,375.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Tennessee is 76%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Tennessee public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Tennessee driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Tennessee is located in the Southeast region of the United States. The Southeast combines Southern hospitality with top-tier research universities and a growing tech sector, offering excellent value and vibrant campus life.
Tennessee offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $19,375. Public universities in Tennessee provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.