In the following ranking, we highlight the 20 best affordable colleges in Tennessee for bachelor’s degrees. When you think of Tennessee, what comes to mind? More than likely, you picture images of Nashville, comfort food, and Elvis. Not only is Tennessee a state known for its music scene and Southern hospitality, but it is also home to some of the best-value institutions of higher learning in the nation. From the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Technological University to more than enough Christian schools to satisfy the state’s religious population, Tennessee has a school and program to meet the needs of any student. In order to find the best affordable colleges in Tennessee for bachelor’s degrees, we wanted to provide a list that evaluated and ranked important factors such as affordability, class size, and student success as outlined below.
Methodology
To accomplish this, we used the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and its College Navigator tool to conduct a search for colleges in Tennessee that offer bachelor’s degrees. For each school we awarded points based on the information given about tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. If there was a point-based tie, we used the lowest-cost tuition to place the schools. Not only are the following schools some of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee, but many of them also offer nationally ranked and world-renowned programs in certain areas of study.
Average Cost of Attendance
The average cost of attendance may not only the first thing you look for in a program but it could also make or break your decision to attend a particular institution. While tuition is undoubtedly important, it is important to avoid the temptation of choosing the cheapest college in Tennessee just to save some cash. Instead, try to find a balance between cost and quality, making sure that the program you choose is not only affordable but also offers the major, extracurriculars, or other features you are looking for in your college experience. Below, we ranked schools based on the cost for in-state students taking 15 hours of classes per semester for one year as stated by the NCES.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student-to-faculty ratios give us insight into the academic environment at each institution. Schools with low ratios and, therefore, smaller class sizes may be more likely to offer individualized studies and greater accountability, while universities with high ratios are known for offering a broader range of majors, concentrations, and extracurriculars. Since there is no one-size-fits-all school, consider your own academic background and personal priorities when narrowing down your options. Below, we awarded points based on the NCES information we had on the student-to-faculty ratio for each college or university on our list, providing the most points to schools with the lowest ratios.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, in order to get a better idea of student satisfaction and success at each school, we awarded points based on each school’s graduation rate according to the NCES. Although not a steadfast rule, in most cases, colleges and universities with high graduation rates are doing something right to keep students satisfied and engaged throughout their programs. This could be anything from offering opportunities for academic support, employing nationally renowned faculty members, or providing affordable tuition rates. On the other hand, schools with low graduation rates may be lacking in one area or another, resulting in unhappy students who leave before they earn their degree. Therefore, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates based on the following ranges:
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Tennessee
20. King University
Bristol, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Located in Bristol, King University is a private accredited university in Tennessee affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Established in 1867, the school creates an academic setting that integrates scholarship with Christian faith. Students looking for an affordable degree in Tennessee can choose from more than 90 majors, concentrations, pre-professional programs, and minors offered in five schools. Popular low-cost areas of study include healthcare administration, education, engineering and applied science, nursing, and exercise science. King also provides a close-knit community, offering opportunities for volunteerism and mission trips as well as participation in more than 27 varsity athletic teams. The school’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures a successful learning environment, and approximately 98 percent of students receive financial aid while enrolled.
In-State Tuition: $29,714
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,714
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
19. Bryan College
Dayton, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Bryan College is a private accredited college in Tennessee located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Established in 1930 as an institution of higher education to teach from a Christian worldview, the school offers more than 50 different economical programs ranging from associate to master’s degrees. A top-value college in Tennessee, Bryan College confers 26 affordable accredited bachelor’s degrees, including music, engineering, liberal arts, Christian ministry, business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, and five pre-professional programs. The school’s official motto, “Christ Above All,” sets the tone for the curriculum, and every class begins with prayer. To create a sense of community, Bryan College offers student groups and organizations, clubs, and a number of faith-based programs and services to all students.
In-State Tuition: $26,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
18. Tennessee Wesleyan University
Athens, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1857, Tennessee Wesleyan University, located in Athens, is a private accredited university associated with the United Methodist Church. With more than 30 inexpensive majors and dozens of student organizations, this affordable college in Tennessee has something to offer everyone. Low-cost areas of undergraduate study include business administration with 10 concentrations, Church vocations, engineering science, education, psychology, social work, and fine arts. Students may also pursue two graduate degrees and a degree-completion program designed for working adults. In addition, TWU’s small class sizes and tight-knit campus community offer a supportive environment in which peers become family and faculty become more than professors. In fact, approximately 92 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students. In terms of affordability, 86 percent of students receive financial aid, and 87 percent of graduates are employed within six months of earning their degree.
In-State Tuition: $24,300
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,300
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
17. Lee University
Cleveland, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Lee University is a top-value Christian college affiliated with the Church of God. Located on a 119-acre campus in Cleveland, the school began as the Church of God Bible Training School in 1918 and was comprised of one teacher and 12 students. Today, the school enrolls more than 5,300 students from 48 countries. Those seeking an affordable degree in Tennessee can choose from 55 majors through six schools and colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, Music, Nursing, and Religion. Areas of study include discipleship ministry, interdisciplinary studies, digital media studies, and music performance studies. Although degree requirements depend on the major a student is pursuing, all students are required to complete Lee’s general education curriculum which focuses heavily on service learning and faith. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in more than 90 campus clubs and a number of NCAA Division II athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $17,690
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,690
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
16. LeMoyne-Owen College
Memphis, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
LeMoyne-Owen College is a private HBCU that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. This affordable accredited college in Tennessee enrolls fewer than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The school is recognized for providing a transformational experience and educating students for urban-focused scholarship, service, leadership, and professional careers. LOC is comprised of academic divisions of business and economic development, education, fine arts and humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and accelerated studies. Students pursuing a low-cost bachelor’s in Tennessee can choose from majors in 23 areas of study that lead to Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts degrees. On-campus activities include academic and social organizations, sororities and fraternities, honors societies, and student government.
In-State Tuition: $11,196
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,196
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 12 percent
15. University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
The University of Memphis, known as U of M, is one of the best-value colleges in Tennessee. Established in 1912, the school enrolls more than 21,000 students each year in affordable undergraduate majors such as aerospace studies, business economics, military science, and anthropology. U of M’s faculty and researchers are leaders in more than 250 areas of study which means students benefit from access to a wealth of academic challenges and choices. As one of only two research-intensive public universities in the state, undergraduates receive unprecedented research opportunities in graduate-level labs. This cheap college in Tennessee is also home to a number of unique institutes, including the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, the FedEx Institute of Technology, the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archeology, and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI).
In-State Tuition: $9,317
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,029
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
14. Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Founded in 1911 as a normal school, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution of higher education located in Murfreesboro. As one of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee, MTSU is comprised of eight undergraduate colleges and one graduate college that offer more than 300 academic options across more than 30 departments. MTSU is known for its affordable programs in concrete industry management, music, aerospace, and recording industry with concentrations in either music business or commercial songwriting. Other notable areas of study include physical education, apparel design, fermentation science, and horse science. Students looking to get involved can join more than 200 student organizations, including Greek life, academic clubs, and social groups. MTSU also provides special services to non-traditional, adult, LGBTQ, and female students.
In-State Tuition: $8,858
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,098
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
13. Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Located on a beautiful 500-acre campus in Nashville, Tennessee State University is the largest and only state-funded HBCU in the state. Founded in 1912, this best-value school is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and offers inexpensive bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to more than 9,000 students. Students looking to take low-cost college courses in Tennessee can pursue more than 75 affordable majors in aeronautical and industrial technology, agricultural sciences, business administration, human performance and sports sciences, speech communication and theater, and urban studies. Online degrees are available in interdisciplinary studies, sociology, urban studies, and professional studies with concentrations in organizational leadership, information technology, and health administration. TSU students live by the motto: “Think. Work. Serve.” However, the school strives to create a holistic approach to learning through a variety of civic, professional, and social clubs.
In-State Tuition: $8,792
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,512
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent
12. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
One of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee, UTC is a member of the University of Tennessee System. Founded in 1886, UTC emphasizes experiential learning by partnering with local business, organizations, and community groups that allow students to gain hands-on experience through internships and cooperative education assignments. Students also have access to a number of high-tech research and learning facilities. UTC is comprised of four undergraduate colleges: Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Computer Science, Business, and Health, Education, and Professional Studies. Affordable bachelor’s programs at this inexpensive school include popular majors such as business, exercise science, psychology, biology, nursing, early childhood education, and communications. Campus life involves plenty of opportunities for exploring the industry, natural beauty, dining, and shopping of downtown Chattanooga. Students may also join more than 120 student organizations that revolve around hobbies, academics, sports, and more.
In-State Tuition: $8,664
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,782
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
11. Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee
Points: 5
School Website
Austin Peay State University, located in Clarksville, is a low-cost college in Tennessee that offers the resources of a major university with the feel of a small college. Enrolling more than 9,800 undergraduates and more than 1,000 postgraduate students, APSU’s cheap programs consist of online, evening, and day courses offered across seven academic schools and colleges. Students looking for affordable degrees in Tennessee can choose from 53 undergraduate majors, including unique and popular areas of study such as agriculture, computer information technology, engineering technology, geoscience, health and human performance, professional communication, leadership and organizational administration, and radiologic technology. APSU is nestled within a thriving community rich in tradition and history. Set against the Cumberland River, the city of Clarksville boasts a local theater, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities, and it is just a short 45-minute trip to Nashville.
In-State Tuition: $8,159
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,399
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
10. Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Jefferson City, Carson-Newman University is a high-value university in Tennessee affiliated with the Baptist Church. This Christian university enrolls around 2,500 students from 32 countries. Established in 1851, the school is located just 10 minutes from Cherokee Lake, 35 minutes from eclectic downtown Knoxville, and 40 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. C-N is ranked among the top Christian colleges in the nation and the most affordable colleges in Tennessee. Students may choose from more than 50 economical undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in areas of study such as psychology, nursing, education, business, biology, art, and health pre-professions. Students may participate in 19 NCAA Division II athletic teams, more than 40 events through a thriving intramural program, and more than 70 on-campus student organizations as well as weekly fellowship and worship services.
In-State Tuition: $27,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
9. Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1901, Trevecca Nazarene University is committed to providing a holistic education by encouraging students to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Located just one mile from downtown Nashville, TNU is an accredited university in Tennessee that guides attendees to find their calling through affordable on-campus undergraduate programs, graduate and continuing studies, and online academic options. With a student body hailing from 47 states and 25 countries, TNU provides more than 100 low-cost bachelor’s degrees through five schools and colleges: Education, Business and Technology, Music and Worship Arts, Theology and Christian Ministry, and Arts and Sciences. This top-value university in Tennessee campus is home to more than 120 on-campus social events each year as well as cultural events, entertainment, service, learning, and internships.
In-State Tuition: $25,598
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,598
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
8. Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a private liberal arts university and one of the most affordable colleges in Tennessee. The school’s 1,000-acre campus borders Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and its Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is home to a large collection of memorabilia relating to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Inside the classroom, LMU provides a relevant curriculum for the 21st century in health professions, education, arts and sciences, humanities, and business, and students may pursue economical associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees through nine colleges and schools, including a highly-regarded college preparatory school, a school of law, and a college of osteopathic medicine. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a focus on community and personal growth, students benefit from individualized attention and close relationships that will contribute to their success.
In-State Tuition: $22,010
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,010
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
7. Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University is a private accredited university in Tennessee associated with the Churches of Christ. Although the school is primarily residential and undergraduate, it also serves adult, part-time, and commuting students both on-campus and through online programs. Students looking to pursue an affordable degree in Tennessee will benefit from an education at FHU that integrates Christian faith, service, and scholarship. FHU confers top-tier academic programs with a consistently Christian perspective through its College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Biblical Studies. New programs as of the 2019 academic school year include an online associate in general studies, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a concentration in financial planning, and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity as well as two 4+1 programs in education in which students earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in reduced time.
In-State Tuition: $21,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
6. Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Southern Adventist University, located on a 1,000-acre campus in Collegedale, is a Seventh-day Adventist college and one of the top-tier regional colleges in the South. Founded in 1892 in Graysville, this inexpensive university in Tennessee was the first Adventist school in the southern half of the country. SAU’s most popular and affordable bachelor’s programs are in the biological and biomedical sciences, but other notable academic degrees include journalism, history, English, chemistry, computing, and nursing. More than 800 students participate in Campus Research Day each year, and the campus houses the McKee Foods headquarters, where may students seek part-time employment while they pursue their studies. Although there are no fraternities or sororities, students can choose from more than 50 clubs and organizations to get involved. As one of the most affordable colleges in Tennessee, SAU awards more than $15 million in financial aid each year.
In-State Tuition: $21,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
5. Fisk University
Nashville, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1865, Fisk University is a private HBCU located on a 40-acre campus in Nashville. In 1930, this best-value college in Tennessee became the first African-American institution of higher learning to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Today, Fisk offers an exceptional, rigorous curriculum as well as dynamic mentoring and learning experiences with professionally renowned, award-winning faculty. Fisk is known for offering an array of top-value undergraduate and graduate degrees through its School of Humanities and Behavioral Social Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Business. Special academic options include an honors program and TRIO programs designed for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students. Fisk is home to more than 50 on-campus student organizations and groups as well as the Fisk Jubilee Singers, fraternities and sororities, student government, and a memorial chapel for public service, worship, and learning.
In-State Tuition: $21,480
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,480
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
4. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the flagship institution of the University of Tennessee System. Founded in 1794 just two years before Tennessee became a state, UTK enrolls more than 28,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. This top-value school is comprised of 11 colleges: Veterinary Medicine, Social Work, Nursing, Law, Engineering, Communication and Information, Business, Arts and Sciences, Architecture and Design, Agriculture, and Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Affordable undergraduate majors range from plant sciences and social work to accounting and aerospace engineering. Thanks to the school’s sun- and land-grant status, UTK is positioned as a leader in bio-based and agricultural alternative energy research, and research is also available through programs in the social sciences, technology, engineering, and the digital humanities. UTK Is also home to more than 80 research institutes and centers, allowing students plenty of opportunities for individualized studies and research collaborations with world-renowned faculty.
In-State Tuition: $13,006
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,426
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
3. The University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1927, the University of Tennessee-Martin is a public university located in Martin, Tennessee. One of five campuses that make up the University of Tennessee System, UTM also operates several satellite centers in West Tennessee as well as a large experimental farm. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, more than 80% of UTM’s classes have fewer than 30 students. UTM confers more than 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate degree program areas, including majors in engineering, business administration, teacher education, agriculture, and nursing as well as computer science, the fine and performing arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Students of this cheap college in Tennessee have many opportunities to focus their studies through concentrations, or they may choose to create their own program through the school’s interdisciplinary studies degree. Student life is comprised of NCAA Division I athletics and more than 150 registered student organizations, including special interest, service, recreation, Greek, professional, multicultural, honor society, club sport, and academic groups.
In-State Tuition: $9,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,552
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
2. Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
Points: 6
School Website
Tennessee Technological University is one of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee. Located just 80 miles east of Nashville on a 285-acre campus in Cookeville, this university, popularly known as Tennessee Tech, emphasizes affordable undergraduate education in fields of study related to technology and engineering. More than 200 top-value programs are offered, and students may pursue cheap majors in nursing, agriculture, the liberal arts, and education. Other notable programs of this inexpensive university include chemistry, environmental and sustainability studies, and wildlife and fisheries with concentrations in wildlife science, fisheries science, and conservation biology. Approximately 47 percent of students graduate debt-free. Student activities include athletic events, performances, and live music as well as hundreds of Greek chapters and student organizations for every interest.
In-State Tuition: $8,731
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,595
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
1. Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee
Points: 7
School Website
Topping our list of the best affordable college in Tennessee, Johnson University is a private Christian institution of higher learning that operates a main campus in Knoxville and a satellite campus in Kissimmee, Florida as well as online and extended education centers. Founded in 1893, JUTN prepares students to become effective Christian leaders through more than 70 service-oriented and economical majors such as nonprofit administration, worship ministry, intercultural studies, children’s ministry, and media ministry. The school’s Urban Alliance initiative partners with local groups to provide urban youth with exceptional educational experiences such as leadership development programs, scholarship programs, and science camps. JUTN is home to many Christian-focused events each year, including preaching workshops, Preaching Emphasis Week, and Preach.FEST. More than 350 work-study jobs are available to students to help offset the cost of tuition.
In-State Tuition: $16,060
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,060
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Tennessee for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
According to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the following are the top 10 most in-demand careers that undergraduates can pursue with a bachelor’s degree. These positions meet the following criteria: expected to be in demand with employers, expected to have positive job growth, forecasted to have a minimum of 10 annual average job openings in the area, and require more than on-the-job, short-term training. Occupations are listed in descending order with the projected growth rate percentage from 2016 to 2026.
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- Software Developers, Applications: 52.50 percent
- Home Health Aides: 49.50 percent
- Computer Hardware Engineers: 49.20 percent
- Operations Research Analysts: 45.60 percent
- Physician Assistants: 41.60 percent
- Tax Preparers: 40.80 percent
- Material Moving Workers, All Other: 40.60 percent
- Psychiatric Aides: 39.10 percent
- Personal Care Aides: 38.20 percent
- Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects: 37.40 percent
What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Tennessee?
Do you have a certain occupation in mind? Are you comparing careers and are interested in learning about the jobs that lead to the highest salaries? In either case, as you begin to narrow down colleges, programs, and majors, it might be helpful to know which industries and occupations pay the most across the state. In order to provide the most accurate information possible, we turned to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The following wage estimates were calculated using information collected from all employers in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas through all industry sectors across Tennessee. According to the Bureau, the annual mean wage across all occupations was $44,660 as of May 2018. The top five highest-paying jobs and their salaries include:
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- Surgeons: $271,680
- Anesthesiologists: $262,070
- Physicians and Surgeons, All Other: $231,960
- Orthodontists: $219,860
- Family and General Practitioners: $212,900
However, since the main focus of this ranking is undergraduate degrees, we wanted to provide salary data for jobs that undergraduates could obtain immediately after earning a bachelor’s. Below, you will find a list of the top 10 highest-paying occupations throughout the state for students who either hold a bachelor’s degree alone or who have completed additional training or experience in the field to complement their degree.
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- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $129,320
- Marketing Managers: $118,740
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $118,660
- Sales Managers: $111,700
- Natural Sciences Managers: $111,670
- Materials Engineers: $111,670
- Financial Managers: $111,460
- General and Operations Managers: $110,580
- Chemical Engineers: $106,830
- Purchasing Managers: $105,260
What are the Best Schools in Tennessee for Bachelor’s Recipients?
If you are looking for the best affordable colleges in Tennessee, it is important to consider which institutions of higher learning offer the best return-on-investment (ROI) for your money. Therefore, we have compiled a list of five of the top-ranking colleges in Tennessee and provided early career earnings and mid-career pay as well as 20-year net ROI figures, all of which exceed $200,000, for each institution, according to PayScale. Schools are ranked in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI, and salary information was calculated for in-state students earning a bachelor’s degree without financial assistance.
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- 1. Tennessee Technological University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $369,000
– Early Career Pay: $52,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $90,800
- 1. Tennessee Technological University
-
- 2. University of Tennessee-Knoxville
– 20-Year Net ROI: $278,000
– Early Career Pay: $50,200
– Mid-Career Pay: $92,700
- 2. University of Tennessee-Knoxville
-
- 3. University of Memphis
– 20-Year Net ROI: $237,000
– Early Career Pay: $47,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $81,600
- 3. University of Memphis
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- 4. Tennessee State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $226,000
– Early Career Pay: $47,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $73,300
- 4. Tennessee State University
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- 5. Southern Adventist University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $201,000
– Early Career Pay: $46,500
– Mid-Career Pay: $82,200
- 5. Southern Adventist University
From the incredible musical industry in Nashville to the soaring peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Volunteer State is an interesting yet affordable place to earn your degree. Whether you are hoping to attend one of these colleges for financial reasons or because the state is home to so many unique attractions, our ranking of the 20 best affordable colleges in Tennessee for bachelor’s degrees will give you a good start in finding your perfect college fit.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 20 best affordable colleges in Tennessee For Bachelor’s Degrees for 2020.
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