Struggling to choose between affordable online colleges in Tennessee? Let Affordable Schools be your tour guide. We’ve located the 10 best accredited cheap universities for flexible, first-rate Tennessee education online.
Founded after the Revolutionary War on June 1, 1796, Tennessee is a 440-mile Southeast state stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. Tennessee has America’s 16th biggest population with 6.83 million people. In Fall 2018, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) counted 221,775 students at public state colleges. Statewide adult student enrollment is particularly growing rapidly by nearly 18 percent per year. Tennesseans can attend 52 public and 65 private institutions from Nashville to Chattanooga. For instance, Tusculum University is the Presbyterian Church’s oldest coed college opened by Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak in 1818. Mid-South Christian College is the smallest Tennessee school with only 28 bachelor’s majors. The University of Tennessee’s flagship campus is the largest with 28,894 students registered and $260 million research expenditures. The “Volunteer State” is full of distance and on-campus degree opportunities to suit anyone’s learning preferences.
The U.S. News & World Report crowned Tennessee the 23rd best state for post-secondary education. Tennessee boasts an above-average high school graduation rate of 88.5 percent. Approximately one-third of state residents aged 25-64 have advanced their education in college. Low-income learners are 6.6 times less likely to finish a degree within eight years though. Tuition and fees are a financial barrier for many young Tennesseans. Average Tennessee attendance costs are $20,939 in-state and $34,524 out-of-state per year. Several schools, especially private nonprofits, have bigger sticker prices. For example, Vanderbilt University is billing 2019-20 tuition of $50,800. Rhodes College charges $62,310 annually with room and board included. Socioeconomic status shouldn’t determine your degree eligibility though. Higher education should be within reach for everyone anytime 24/7. Therefore, we found affordable online Tennessee schools with in-state expenses below $14,000 to meet your budget needs.
Methodology
First, the AS Staff traveled virtually to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator to find cheap online schools. We used the dropdown menu to select Tennessee and ticked the box for distance education. We focused on four-year public and private Tennessee institutions with bachelor’s or advanced degrees online. Our search results turned up 33 senior universities to consider. Second, our team checked each online college for regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This information was gleaned from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation database to ensure accuracy. Third, we made a spreadsheet listing the in-state tuition and fees for each university. These figures were calculated based on 2018-19 averages for full-time undergrads. Fourth, we ordered the online Tennessee institutions from lowest to highest price. The 10 cheapest options became our website’s picks for the most affordable colleges online in Tennessee.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Tennessee Colleges
10. University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $13,006
Granted the 2010 TACHE Innovative Credit Programming Award, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a flagship public, land-grant ORAU member led by Chancellor Donde Plowman that’s endowed for $728.3 million to serve 22,815 undergrad and 6,079 post-grad Vols from 90+ countries. Eleven SACS-accredited colleges are available online or on its 910-acre, 294-building Great Smokies campus with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio for 86 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UT-Knoxville 29th for online engineering degrees and 69th for online veteran education. The Wall Street Journal placed UTK 270th overall. Bloomberg BusinessWeek noticed UTK for the 16th best learning experience. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville begins our top 10 affordable colleges online with a $13,006 in-state rate. On Canvas, the Teaching & Learning Innovation Center provides 180+ online SACS-accredited courses each 14-week semester. Online pupils pursue two bachelor’s and 18 graduate degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNs
- Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership
- Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
- Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Educational Administration
- Master of Science in Education Psychology
- Master of Science in Information Sciences
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Systems Engineering
9. Baptist College of Health Sciences
Memphis, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $11,900
Affiliated with the 2017 Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award winner, Baptist College of Health Sciences is a private, specialized ASAHP member headed by President Betty Sue McGarvey with 66 full-time faculty teaching 1,064 Blue Healers at a 10:1 ratio. Four SACS-accredited departments selectively admit 53.6 percent of applicants with minimum 2.65 GPAs for health-related studies online and at its Memphis campus. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Baptist Memorial Hospital seventh in Tennessee. College Factual placed BCHS third for Baptist education and 106th for allied health degrees. Niche named BCHS the 59th best nursing school and 59th top small college nationwide. Baptist College of Health Sciences is Affordable Schools’ ninth best cheap Tennessee online college with a $11,900 in-state price. On Moodle, BCHS Online lets transfers with 60+ credits finish a bachelor’s in just 19 months full-time. Online 14-week, year-round courses can culminate these three undergrad degrees:
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Health Administration
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Imaging Sciences
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
8. University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $9,512
Given the 2017 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference Platinum Award, the University of Tennessee-Martin is a public, coed OVC member managed by Chancellor Keith Carver that’s endowed for $39.4 million to inspire 7,300 Skyhawks from 44 states and 21 nations for 75 percent retention. West Tennessee’s largest state-funded branch has five colleges available online, on its 250-acre Weakley County campus, and at five satellites. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UT-Martin 35th for online MBA and 152nd for online bachelor’s education. On Niche, UTM boasts America’s 278th top teaching degrees and 212nd best criminal justice programs. Washington Monthly crowned UTM the 76th best Southern value. The University of Tennessee-Martin is the AS Staff’s eighth best affordable online college with $9,512 costs in-state. Since 2017, UT-Martin has utilized Canvas to teach 100+ SACS-accredited online courses 7-14 weeks long. Online learners choose from eight undergrad and five post-grads degrees, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology and Management
- Master of Science in Family and Consumer Science
- Master of Arts in Strategic Communications
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources
7. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $9,390
Named a 2019 AAFP Program of Excellence Award finalist, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public, coed medical school administered by Chancellor Steve J. Schwab with a $147.9 million budget to instruct 2,851 Vols, including 1,300 residents, at a 1.3:1 student-faculty ratio. Six SACS-accredited colleges have 100+ years of experience training healthcare practitioners on its 60-acre, 42-building Memphis campus and online for 77 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UTHSC 24th for nursing and 17th for pharmacy education. The Center for World University Rankings placed UTHSC 147th overall. The Academic Ranking of World Universities included UTHSC in the top 151-200 for medicine. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is our seventh best cheap online college with $9,390 in-state expenses. On Blackboard, the Teaching & Learning Center guides students through many seven- or 15-week online courses. These are the five degrees and five certificates online:
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Health Informatics and Information Management
- Master of Medical Laboratory Science
- Master of Dental Hygiene
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Healthcare Quality Improvement Certificate
- Clinical Research Certificate
- Health Informatics and Information Management Certificate
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
6. University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $9,317
Chosen for a 2019 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practices Award, the University of Memphis is a public, land-grant SURA member that’s endowed for $216.2 million under President M. David Rudd to employ 930 full-time faculty educating 22,044 Tigers from 84 foreign countries. Memphis operates 13 SACS-accredited schools with 74 percent retention online, on its 1,160-acre University District campus, and three metro extensions. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Memphis 52nd for online bachelor’s and 24th for online criminal justice education. Forbes deemed UofM the 253rd top research institution. Washington Monthly placed UofM 40th for social mobility. The University of Memphis stands sixth among affordable online Tennessee schools with a $9,317 annual in-state total. On Desire2Learn, the Global Campus delivers eight- and 16-week sessions for asynchronous Web courses with 24/7 Helpdesk support. UofM has developed 29 bachelor’s and 32 post-grad online degrees since 2002, including the:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Services
- Bachelor of Arts in African and African American Studies
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Early Care and Learning
- Master of Science in Sport and Hospitality Management
- Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education
- Master of Science in Environmental Nutrition
- Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media
- Master of Science in Nursing Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Higher and Adult Education
5. East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $8,935
Prized the 2019 SREB Council on Collegiate Education Pacesetter Award, East Tennessee State University is the fourth-largest public, coed THEC System member run by President Brian Noland with a $762 million endowment to serve 14,500 Buccaneers from 36 states and 37 countries. Eleven SACS-accredited colleges maintain a 16:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its 366-acre Johnson City campus, and at five regional centers for a 41 percent graduation rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked East Tennessee 77th for online nursing and 245th for online MBA education. Forbes labeled ETSU the 170th best Southern college. On Niche, ETSU has America’s 80th most conservative students. East Tennessee State University made our top five affordable online schools with a $8,935 in-state value. Every seven weeks, ETSU Online starts accelerated Desire2Learn Brightspace courses with Sherrod Library and Advising Center access. Online students pick from 16 bachelor’s and 38 graduate programs like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Master of Education in Student Personnel Leadership
- Master of Science in Sport Science and Coach Education
- Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
- Doctor of Education in School Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner
4. Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $8,858
Presented the 2010 Tennessee Board of Regents Academic Excellence Award, Middle Tennessee State University is a public, land-grant Conference USA member overseen by President Sidney A. McPhee that’s endowed for $103.1 million to teach 26,442 Lightning with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Nine SACS-accredited colleges have an admission rate of 94 percent online and on its 466-acre, 234-building Murfreesboro campus. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Middle Tennessee 80th for social mobility and 196th for social work education. Forbes crowned MTSU the 241st top public school. Washington Monthly named MTSU 124th nationally. Middle Tennessee State University finished fourth on our list’s affordable Tennessee colleges online with $8,858 in-state tuition. Endorsed by the Online Learning Consortium in 2017, MTSU Online delivers 650+ eight- or 16-week courses on D2L Brightspace and accepts work experience credits. Online learners can earn five bachelor’s and eight master’s degrees, such as the:
- Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Commerce
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Aeronautical Science
- Master of Library Science
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Professional Studies
- Master of Science in Management
- Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction
3. Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $8,792
Conferred the 2013 TNCPE Excellence in Tennessee Commitment Award, Tennessee State University is a public, land-grant historically Black TMCF member that’s endowed for $61.1 million and supervised by President Glenda Glover to engage 7,774 Tigers in 100+ clubs for 64 percent retention. Tenn State splits into seven SACS-accredited colleges available online, on its 520-acre John A. Merritt Blvd. campus, and at two Nashville satellites with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Tennessee State the 29th best HBCU with the 186th top social mobility. On Niche, TSU boasts America’s 80th best Greek life and 202nd most liberal academics. Forbes declared TSU the 263rd top public school. Tennessee State University is our third best low-cost online Tennessee college with $8,792 in-state costs. The Distance Education Office logs into D2L Brightspace for 440+ seven- or 15-week online courses. Online pupils can entirely finish seven bachelor’s and 16 post-grad programs, including the:
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies
- Master of Education in Career and Technical Education
- Master of Science in Applied Geospatial Information Systems
- Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
2. Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $8,731
Home to the 2018-19 CASE District III Mentor of the Year Award recipient, Tennessee Technological University is a public, polytechnic OVC member led by President Philip B. Oldham that’s endowed for $67.2 million to welcome 10,140 Golden Eagles from 50+ nations with 76 percent acceptance. Nine SACS-accredited colleges teach with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio online and at the 267-acre Cookeville campus of the Upper Cumberland. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Tennessee Tech 142nd for online MBA and 192nd for online graduate teaching programs. The Brookings Institute lauded TTU for the second best four-year value. Niche applauded TTU for the 167th top public education. Tennessee Technological University is Affordable Schools’ second best cheap online college in Tennessee with $8,731 in-state fees. On iLearn, the Division of Digital & Distance Education provides 15-week TN eCampus courses with online Volpe Library access. Online students select five bachelor’s and nine master’s majors like the:
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Accountancy
- Master of Education in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning
- Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Exercise Science and Wellness
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
1. Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
Average In-State Tuition: $8,159
Bestowed a 2018 NABC Team Academic Excellence Award, Austin Peay State University is a fast-growing public, coed Ohio Valley Conference member headed by President Alisa White that’s endowed for $26.5 million to enroll 11,048 Governors from 30+ countries with 17 native languages. Seven APSU colleges teach online, on its 169-acre Montgomery County campus, or at Fort Campbell with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio and 99 percent financial aid rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Austin Peay State 129th for online business and 192nd for online education degrees. College Factual placed APSU 44th for agriculture and 13th for engineering tech programs. Washington Monthly crowned APSU the 132nd top Southern value. Austin Peay State University is the AS Staff’s #1 affordable online Tennessee college with in-state pricing of $8,159. On D2L Brightspace, the Distance Education Division has 370 full-time faculty delivering 7.5- or 15-week online courses with an optional Laptop Loan Program. Online entrants with minimum 2.85 GPAs pursue 15 undergrad and 14 post-grad SACS-accredited degrees, such as the:
- Associate of Science in Liberal Arts
- Associate of Applied Science in Management Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
- Master of Arts in Instructional Technology
- Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
- Master of Science in Computer Science and Quantitative Methods
According to Forbes, Tennessee has our nation’s 11th best economic climate with a $380 billion gross state product. Tennessee’s workforce of 2.95 million makes a below-average annual mean wage of $44,660 though. Fortunately, attending college for a bachelor’s degree can increase your salary potential by 84 percent. Master’s degree graduates also benefit from an average raise of 38 percent. Putting together enough money upfront to afford Tennessee colleges can clearly pay off later. Submit the FAFSA application to be considered for federal financial aid programs. Don’t forget the many “Volunteer State” funding programs either. For example, the Hope Scholarship gives up to $2,250 per year for Tennessee high school grads who achieve a minimum 21 ACT or 1060 SAT score. The Tennessee Student Assistance Award provides a maximum $4,000 for in-state undergrads with expected family contribution below 2100. Other choices include the General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Aspire Award, Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, Dual Enrollment Grant, Middle College Scholarship, and Helping Heroes Grant. Selecting low-cost online colleges in Tennessee and taking advantage of free financial aid will help decrease your debt.
AS Staff
February 2020
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