Tennessee 1

Nashville, which is the capital of Tennessee, is the world’s headquarters of country music and the world’s longest-running radio program. Tennessee is also known as the Volunteer State and its motto is Agriculture and Commerce. Tennessee is also known for its food and drinks. Asides from all this, Tennessee has colleges that great colleges with high moral values and good educators. We have done all the research to find the 10 best colleges in the state. 

2024’s Best Colleges in Tennessee

  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. Sewanee-The University of the South
  3. Milligan College
  4. Rhodes College
  5. Tennessee Technological University
  6. Bryan College-Dayton
  7. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
  8. Middle Tennessee State University
  9. The University of Tennessee-Martin
  10. Lipscomb University

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University

It is a private research university in Tennessee that was founded in 1873. It is a non-profit institution and is a founding member of the Southeastern Conference. It is renowned worldwide for excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, which are among the finest in the country. Students have opportunities to take internships at various firms and institutions to practice what they learned in theory. Vanderbilt’s lecturers are seasoned professionals with in-depth knowledge of their area of expertise. Students can participate in clubs, organizations, and other student-led activities that are available throughout the year. 

Vanderbilt ranks 14th in best colleges in the U.S., 8th in best value schools, and 12th in best undergraduate teaching. Additionally, Vanderbilt ranks 36th in best engineering undergraduate programs and 40th in most innovative schools. 

It is easily one of the best colleges in Tennessee with a 9% acceptance and a 92% graduation rate. Vanderbilt is test-optional for applicants for Fall 2022. 

Tuition costs $56,966 for the 2021/2022 academic year but students can apply for financial aid to meet their financial needs. Eligible students will be awarded aid. 

It offers students 70 undergraduate programs and multiple professional and graduate programs.

These are some of them:

  • Computer science 
  • Economics 
  • Mathematics 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Political science and government 

Sewanee-The University of the South

Sewanee The University of the South
Sewanee-The University of the South

It is a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1857, that offers students an exceptional learning environment. It is owned by the Episcopal church and has a School of Theology, which is a seminary. Students are focused, disciplined, and understand the need for values such as respect, decency, and empathy. Students in the University of the South wear formal or smart clothing to attend lectures out of respect for their program and the lecturer. Additionally, all students have to live on the school campus except in a few cases. Some of the fun things to do include mountain biking, caving, and rock climbing on its expansive school campus. Despite being owned by the church, it is diverse, inclusive, and promotes equity.

It has a 67% acceptance rate and an 82% graduation rate. Students are allowed to choose whether or not to submit their test scores. 

The University of the South is among the best colleges in Tennessee and it ranks 50th in national liberal arts colleges. Additionally, it ranks 8th in best value schools and 115th in top performers on social mobility. 

Students pay $49,418 for fees and tuition in the 2021/2022 academic year. 98% of freshmen receive financial aid and the average amount is $31,782. 

These are some programs at Sewanee-The University of the South: 

  • Anthropology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Environmental studies 
  • Humanities 
  • Mathematics 
  • Religious studies 
  • Women’s and gender studies 

Milligan College

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Milligan College

It is a private liberal arts college that is centered on Christ. It was founded in 1866 and has since trained students using a curriculum that emphasizes the main aspects of each program. Students learn in an environment that is peaceful, secure, and diverse. It is renowned for its faith-based teachings, emphasis on scholarships, and community. This has consistently put it among the top colleges in TN. Milligan college has a distinctive approach to learning and an impressive athletic team. 

It ranks 10th in regional universities in the South and is among the top ten colleges in Tennessee. Additionally, it ranks 14th in top performers on social mobility and 2nd in best value schools. 

It has a 99% acceptance rate and a 63% graduation rate. Milligan offers admissions and scholarships to students in two categories. Those who submit standardized test scores and those who don’t. 

Students are expected to pay $36,460 for tuition and fees in the 2021/2022 academic year except they receive financial aid. Students must complete FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid.

These are some programs at Milligan college: 

  • Allied health science 
  • Child and youth development 
  • Electrical engineering 
  • History 
  • International studies 
  • Missions 
  • Photography 
  • Web development 

Rhodes College

Rhodes College
Rhodes College

Rhodes College is a private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1848 and is affiliated with the Presbyterian church. It is located in a strategic area that has companies and other institutions where students can go top for internships. Rhodes College has about 15 fraternities and sororities and a host of events annually. Students in their first year and sophomore students are compelled to live on the school campus. Rhodes offers study abroad programs and has over 100 student clubs and organizations. 

It ranks 54th in national liberal arts colleges and is one of the best schools in Tennessee. It ranks 29th in best undergraduate teaching, 4th in best colleges for veterans, and 60th in best value schools. 

Rhodes has a 45% acceptance rate and a 75% graduation rate. It has adopted a test-optional policy for applicants from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023. 

Students have to pay $50,910 for fees and tuition in the 2021/2022 academic year. However, they can complete FAFSA if they need some form of financial aid. Freshmen receive an average of $34,225 in financial aid. 

Some programs include: 

  • Anthropology and sociology 
  • Biology 
  • Computer science
  • English 
  • French and francophone studies 
  • History 
  • International studies 
  • Media studies 
  • Reserve studies

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University

It is a public research university that was founded in 1915. It offers students the opportunity to study in a technology-driven community to help them find their purpose. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions alongside their academics. The faculty, staff, and alumni form a strong force behind each student to push them forward and assist them in any way possible. Student’s personal and professional development is a priority. They can participate in hundreds of student clubs and organizations that are available to them. 

It ranks 277th in national universities and 140th in top public schools. It is 162nd in best undergraduate engineering programs and 153rd in top performers on social mobility. 

It has a 79% acceptance rate and a 50% graduation rate. Applicants are expected to submit their standardized test results to be eligible for admission. 

Tennessee residents pay $10,522 while non-Tennessee residents pay $16,027 for fees and tuition for the 2021/2022 academic year. 98% of full-time freshmen receive an average of $8,131 in the form of grants or scholarships. 

Below are some available programs: 

  • Business information and technology 
  • Computer science 
  • Electrical engineering 
  • Finance 
  • International business and cultures 
  • Mathematics 
  • Political science 
  • Sociology 

Bryan College-Dayton

Bryan College Dayton
Bryan College-Dayton

It is a private Christ-centered college in Tennessee that offers holistic education and an admission process that is geared towards knowing individuals. It is on the list of best schools in TN because it provides sound education for students from different backgrounds and lets them pursue their passions. Bryan College educates students to become followers of Christ and make a change in the world. This explains its curriculum that is based on biblical policies and the values instilled and the set of values instilled in every student. 

Bryan College ranks 65th in regional universities South, 38th in best value colleges, 27th in top performers on social mobility, and 30th in best colleges for veterans. 

It has a 51% acceptance rate and a 52% graduation rate. It has a test-optional policy because it believes standardized tests are not sufficient proof of a student’s abilities. 

Undergraduate students received an average of $14,940 in financial aid in the 2019/2020 academic year. 

Undergraduate students pay $17,360 for tuition and fees for the 2021/2022 academic year. Eligible students can receive grants or scholarships ranging from $500 to the full cost of tuition. 

These are some majors: 

  • Biblical and theological studies 
  • Christian ministry 
  • Data analytics 
  • Environmental science 
  • Forensic science 
  • Music 
  • Theatre 
  • Worship arts 

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

It is a public research university that was founded in 1794. It is situated in a beautiful and accessible environment that is suitable for learning. The fees are affordable because UTK understands the importance of a college education for all students irrespective of background. UTK emphasizes internships, research, and hands-on learning that to ease understanding of academic work. UTK students lead by example and embrace a strong volunteering spirit to help their community. 

It has a 78% acceptance rate and a 68% graduation rate. Applicants into the Fall 2022 semester are not compelled to submit their test scores. 

It ranks 103rd in national universities, 46th in top public schools, 62nd in best colleges for veterans, 63rd in best undergraduate programs. 

Tennessee residents pay $13,244 for fees and tuition annually, while non-Tennessee residents pay $31,434 for fees and tuition annually. 

About 84% of new students receive some form of financial aid and eligible freshmen receive an average amount of $18,112 in financial aid. 

It has 10 undergraduate colleges and up to 11 graduate colleges.

Students in this college have access to a wide range of programs, some of which are: 

  • Advertising 
  • Cinema studies 
  • Economics 
  • Finance 
  • Geography 
  • Information sciences 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Political science 
  • Sustainability 

Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University

It is a public university that was founded in 1911. It is renowned for its aerospace, recording industry, music, and concrete industry programs. MTSU is one of the best schools in the US to get a degree because of its teaching methods, specialized curriculum, and staff members who are willing to aid students at all levels. Students can participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, school events, and competitions. 

It is one of the good colleges in Tennessee with a 94% acceptance rate and a 42% graduation rate. Students in the Fall 2022 application cycle can decide to or to not submit test scores. 

It ranks 288th in national universities, 147th in top public schools, and 72nd in top performers on social mobility. 

In-state students are expected to pay $9,592 while out-of-state students are expected to pay $29,584 for fees and tuition for the 2021/2022 academic year. Approximately 91% of freshmen receive financial aid and it is mostly in the form of grants or scholarships. Freshmen receive an average of $14,600 in financial aid.

Some of its programs are outlined below: 

  • Athletic training 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Criminal justice administration 
  • Early childhood education 
  • Forensic studies 
  • Nutrition and food science 
  • Office management 
  • Plant and soil science 
  • Sociology 

The University of Tennessee-Martin

The University of Tennessee Martin
The University of Tennessee-Martin

It is a public university and was the sole public university in West Tennessee until 2011. It has provided quality education since its founding in 1900. UT Martin prepares students for the challenges in the international community using technological innovative means. Students can participate in more than 100 honor societies, special student clubs, fraternities and sororities, and service groups. The campus is in a strategic location that puts it within a reasonable distance from other institutions. Students can also participate in multiple recreational activities and events every year. 

It has a 64% acceptance rate and a 48% graduation rate. Students who are applying for the Fall 2022 cycle are not required to submit their standardized test scores 

It ranks among the best universities in Tennessee and is the 31st in regional universities South. It ranks 15th in top public schools, 14th in best colleges for veterans, and 36th in best value schools. 

In-state students are required to $9,912 while out-of-state students are required to pay $15,952 for fees and tuition for the 2021/2022 academic year. 97% of freshmen receive financial aid and the average amount is $14,965. 

Some programs include:

  • Criminal justice 
  • Health and human performance 
  • Interdisciplinary studies 
  • Nursing 
  • Psychology 
  • Secondary education 
  • Social work 
  • Sociology 

Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University

It is a private coeducational university that was founded in 1891 with an undergraduate population of 2,997 students in 2020. Lipscomb is a Christian liberal arts college that offers students the chance to acquire deep knowledge and moral values in a suitable environment. Students are encouraged to build profitable networks, form long-lasting relationships during their time at Lipscomb. Lipscomb offers holistic learning that takes into account students’ academics, health, emotions, and spiritual life. This model enables students to find their purpose and have better grades. 

It is in the top 10 TN college rankings and is 213th in national universities. It ranks 129th in best undergraduate engineering programs and 351st in top performers on social mobility. 

Lipscomb has a 63% acceptance rate and a 58% graduation rate. Students applying for the Fall 2022 semester are not compelled to submit their test scores because of the effects of COVID-19. 

Tuition costs $35,752 for the 2021/2022 academic year. Freshmen at Lipscomb who are eligible for financial aid receive an average of $29,093. Up to 97% of freshmen receive financial aid mostly in the form of grants or scholarships. 

Lipscombe offers a range of academic programs which include, but are not limited to: 

  • Art therapy 
  • Civil engineering 
  • Data science 
  • Fashion design 
  • Game development 
  • Journalism and new media 
  • Nursing 
  • Public administration 
  • Theology and ministry 

Why Study in Tennessee?

Schools in Tennessee offer students an opportunity to get a college degree while having the time of their lives. They have access to companies and firms where they can go on internships and may eventually work. Tennessee provides a welcoming environment for foreigners and they can choose between the bigger colleges of more closely-knit colleges in Tennessee. 

Conclusion 

The aforementioned Tennessee colleges ranked in the list of the best colleges in the state. They give students room to experiment and interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Prospective students can be sure of a suitable study environment with lecturers and other staff members who are willing to walk them through hard times. 

References 

Helen Vlasova
Helen is the co-founder of admissionsly.com, a career guidance website for students and young professionals. She has a degree in English from the University of Michigan. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling.

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