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
Total Colleges
11
Public
44
Private
Tennessee at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
5161%
Average acceptance rate for Tennessee colleges
Avg Net Price
$19,375.449
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$19,927.111
For public universities
Tennessee Colleges Directory
Browse 55 colleges in Tennessee, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
Nashville, TN•Private
6%
Acceptance Rate$80,184/yr
1500-1570
94%
"Vanderbilt blends Southern charm and academic intensity in Music City's heart, where you'll chase ambitions amid live music and magnolia trees."
Knoxville, TN•Public
42%
Acceptance Rate$24,688/yr
1200-1370
74%
"Tennessee's flagship where orange-blooded Vols chase SEC glory alongside nuclear engineering and supply chain prowess."
Memphis, TN•Private
50%
Acceptance Rate$65,620/yr
1300-1486
85%
"Rhodes College delivers intimate liberal arts rigor wrapped in Memphis blues and barbecue, where Southern intellect meets urban grit."
Nashville, TN•Private
95%
Acceptance Rate$53,010/yr
1160-1350
71%
"Nashville's faith-rooted university blending top-tier music training with business savvy and city access."
Sewanee, TN•Private
57%
Acceptance Rate$66,891/yr
1260-1390
82%
"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."
Memphis, TN•Public
72%
Acceptance Rate$19,694/yr
915-1180
58%
"Vibrant public university in music-rich Memphis powering practical careers in business, engineering, and health sciences."
Chattanooga, TN•Public
81%
Acceptance Rate$21,438/yr
1013-1210
58%
"Mid-sized public university in scenic Chattanooga blending practical academics with riverfront access and outdoor pursuits."
Maryville, TN•Private
61%
Acceptance Rate$50,140/yr
1018-1188
66%
"Small liberal arts college in Tennessee's Smoky Mountain foothills where every student tackles hands-on internships and outdoor expeditions."
Cookeville, TN•Public
76%
Acceptance Rate$21,496/yr
1048-1310
66%
"Public engineering powerhouse offering hands-on STEM education in Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau."
Nashville, TN•Public
70%
Acceptance Rate$17,542/yr
880-1050
40%
"Tennessee State University blends historic legacy with vibrant Nashville energy as a leading HBCU focused on opportunity and community."
Nashville, TN•Private
37%
Acceptance Rate$36,140/yr
1140-1510
40%
"Nashville's historic HBCU where the Fisk Jubilee Singers launched a global gospel legacy from a freedmen's school."
Jackson, TN•Private
59%
Acceptance Rate$16,880/yr
880-1060
44%
"Faith-driven HBCU in Tennessee delivering personal liberal arts education amid a supportive small-town community."
Johnson City, TN•Public
86%
Acceptance Rate$17,434/yr
980-1200
63%
"A welcoming public university in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains with a deep focus on community and healthcare education."
Murfreesboro, TN•Public
69%
Acceptance Rate$19,586/yr
1010-1230
56%
"Middle Tennessee State University blends Southern charm with hands-on learning in the heart of Murfreesboro's growing community."
Knoxville, TN•Private
65%
Acceptance Rate$27,284/yr
960-1110
59%
"Johnson University is located in Knoxville, TN."
Jackson, TN•Private
60%
Acceptance Rate$33,613/yr
1160-1390
67%
"Christ-centered education blending rigorous academics with daily faith practices in small-town Tennessee."
Nashville, TN•Private
68%
Acceptance Rate$49,728/yr
1160-1380
69%
"A faith-driven campus in Nashville where community and purpose shape every step of the journey."
Jefferson City, TN•Private
90%
Acceptance Rate$43,100/yr
955-1215
62%
"A small Christian university in Tennessee where faith shapes learning and community runs deep."
Harrogate, TN•Private
63%
Acceptance Rate$36,947/yr
1000-1210
65%
"A close-knit Appalachian haven where history meets hands-on healthcare education in rural Tennessee."
Nashville, TN•Private
69%
Acceptance Rate$39,300/yr
980-1235
51%
"A tight-knit Christian university in Nashville with a heart for service and music city roots."
Greeneville, TN•Private
72%
Acceptance Rate$37,558/yr
920-1110
48%
"Tusculum University is located in Greeneville, TN."
Knoxville, TN•Private
100%
Acceptance Rate$16,450/yr
N/A
50%
"South College in Knoxville blends hands-on career training with a supportive, small-scale vibe for driven students."
Showing top 50 of 55 colleges in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions 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 52%. 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.
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