Best Colleges in Tennessee of 2023

Located in Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a private nonprofit college that boasts a 93% graduation rate. These graduates join a network of alumni that includes everything from Nobel Prize winners to professional athletes. Vanderbilt includes 10 different schools and colleges, which cover disciplines like engineering, law, music, and medicine. The university offers popular study abroad programs, which are available in more than 35 countries, and more than 40% of students opt-in to these programs. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of the best teaching hospitals in the nation, making it a great choice for aspiring medical professionals. Undergraduate students are required to live on campus while attending Vanderbilt, so the university offers several LEED Gold- and Silver-certified buildings for freshmen living at The Commons. In 2021, the Princeton Review ranked Vanderbilt number one for Best Financial Aid, in part due to the fact that the school's financial aid program does not involve income bands or cutoffs that limit eligibility.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a popular public university and is part of the broader University of Tennessee system. The university enrolls between 25,000 and 30,000 students every year and maintains an impressive 70% graduation rate. Its tuition and fees are $13,244 for in-state students and $31,434 for out-of-state students. The university is comprised of several colleges, covering everything from agriculture to architecture and law. The Vols Online learning platform allows students to study online and earn bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of disciplines, including social work, civil engineering, and nursing. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is also a great choice for students interested in studying overseas as it offers more than 300 study abroad programs, and students can receive up to $4,000 in aid to support themselves in their travels.

Welcome home future Bulldog! At Union, you’ll find a vibrant Christ-centered community with students from more than 46 states and 18 countries who will encourage and inspire you. Union’s apartment-style student housing is among the finest you’ll find anywhere – currently ranked among the top five best dorms in the nation by Niche.com – with a private bedroom for every student as well as one or two bathrooms and a kitchen in each room. You’ll also be able to engage with more than 90 student organizations, NCAA Division II sports, and a rich residence life experience.

Located in Nashville, also known as Music City, Belmont University is the best college in Tennessee for students interested in studying music. The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business prepares students for work in creative industries, and the school has an extensive list of notable alumni that have gone on to be successful in the music industry. Belmont University has much more to offer than music, though, as the school offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and 20 graduate programs. The Belmont University Bruins compete in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference and are an integral part of life on campus, making Belmont a great choice for students looking for a thriving sports culture.

Lipscomb University is a Christian institution based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a private university but offers more affordable tuition rates than many other private colleges in the country. Lipscomb is a particularly great option for individuals returning to school later in life thanks to its competency-based education model. Students can earn up to 30 credit hours by completing the CORE assessment and demonstrating the knowledge they've gained through their prior learning and professional experience. Lipscomb University offers around 200 undergraduate majors and minors, a wide range of master's degrees, and three doctorate programs. Many of these programs can also be completed entirely online, making Lipscomb suitable for individuals who need a more flexible learning schedule.

Tennessee Tech University is a top-tier college located in Cookeville, Tennessee. It's a public school with an 80% admission rate, making it one of the more accessible institutions in the state. For in-state students, the cost per credit is $430.75, making it one of the more affordable options in the area. Tennessee Tech University stands out owing to its honor program, which lets students with strong academic achievement participate in smaller, more focused classes, work with professors and peers on research, participate in creative projects, and opt-in to experiential learning opportunities. Honors students may also be eligible for exclusive scholarships not offered to other students. Tennessee Tech also offers a flexible online learning platform, which includes both master's and doctorate programs.

Lincoln Memorial University is a private institution located in Harrogate, Tennessee, which gives it a more rural setting than other universities in the state. This university is a great choice for off-campus learning too, as it offers several locations around Tennessee in its effort to serve students of the Appalachian region and beyond. This includes sites in larger cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and one out-of-state location in Tampa, Florida. Each of these off-campus learning sites offers a selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. Lincoln Memorial also stands out because of its small class sizes. With an average of 14 students per class, individuals can receive the attention they need from their professors to ensure an engaging and fulfilling learning experience. On Lincoln Memorial's main campus, students can enjoy a variety of activities, including an exceptional wellness center, intramural sports, a variety of clubs and organizations, and campus events.

Rhodes College is a prestigious university located in Memphis, Tennessee, that gives students access to plenty of off-campus activities and experiential learning opportunities. Rhodes is comprised of 18 academic departments and offers more than 50 majors and minors. With only 2,050 undergraduate students enrolled in 2021 and an average class size of 14, Rhodes is a great option for students who value personal attention and expert instruction. Rhodes College is also ideal for students seeking internship opportunities, thanks to its proximity to major institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and a wide range of Fortune 500 companies. Individuals who value high-quality career services should strongly consider Rhodes College as 93.5% of graduates are employed or attending graduate school a year after earning their Rhodes degree.

The University of Memphis is a public institution that offers affordable out-of-state tuition for students interested in studying in Tennessee. At $516 per credit, the university's out-of-state tuition is more affordable than some institutions' in-state tuition. Out-of-state freshmen looking to meet new people can take advantage of the Fresh Connections program, which allows students to choose from themed packages of courses they can take with a small group of other freshmen. The University of Memphis offers more than 50 majors, and master's students can participate in over 50 study programs that are offered by the university's schools, including law, business, economics, education, and engineering.

Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution situated in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. With a 94% admission rate, Middle Tennessee State is an accessible university that offers over 300 academic programs. The university is extremely affordable, costing students just $300 per credit. Out-of-state tuition, however, is much higher at $1,087 per credit. Middle Tennessee State also strives to provide affordable access to education and offers several scholarships for prospective students. This includes the DREAM Scholarship, which offers $2,000 to veterans, first-generation college students, and others that come from diverse backgrounds. Through MTSU Online, students can complete undergraduate and graduate programs at their own pace, and the school offers an adult degree completion program for those returning to college later in life.