Discovering the Top-Ranked Colleges in Tennessee

For those interested in attending a southern school, the best colleges in Tennessee are great universities to explore. TN best colleges each provide students with exciting opportunities to pursue a degree in a unique college setting. Overall, Tennessee is a great college location, and top colleges in Tennessee offer students plenty of options.

Tennessee is recognized as the birthplace of country, bluegrass, blues, southern gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll. You’ll also find amazing food, including pulled pork and hot chicken, desserts like moon pies or stack cake, ramps (wild leeks), and fried pickles.

Top Universities and Colleges in Tennessee

There are a total of 105 public and private colleges in Tennessee. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top-ranked institutions across the state.

1. Vanderbilt University: A National Standout

Based on national rankings, Vanderbilt is the best university in Tennessee. News, the Vanderbilt ranking is #13 in National Universities (making it one of the best colleges in the US). It’s also ranked #8 in Best Value Schools, which accounts for both academic quality and overall cost. Here’s another fun fact about one of the best colleges in Tennessee: the Vanderbilt ranking is #1 for students’ overall satisfaction.

Vanderbilt is located in Nashville, TN, and ranks #13 nationwide. With an acceptance rate of 7%, Vanderbilt is the most selective of our TN best colleges. Vanderbilt offers students a liberal arts curriculum with access to high-powered research facilities.

Read also: Ranked Community Colleges

There’s a lot to love about Vanderbilt, including its beautiful Nashville campus. As one of the best colleges in Tennessee, it’s no surprise that Vanderbilt has many accomplished alumni. Barney S. Graham (Ph.D. ’91) helped develop the first experimental COVID-19 vaccines. James Patterson (MA ’70) is a world-renowned author and the creator of the Patterson Fellowships, which brings distinguished scholars to Vanderbilt’s campus. Dr. Mildred T. Stahlman (BA’43, MD’46, HO’48) developed the first modern neonatal intensive care unit in the US. Considering its accolades and prestige, it’s no surprise Vanderbilt tops our list of best colleges in Tennessee.

Vanderbilt University is a private institution that was founded in 1873. Set in the urban Nashville setting with over 333 acres of space for students to explore, Vanderbilt has plenty of off-campus offerings to enjoy. This includes dining, shopping, music, and entertainment. Greek organizations play a significant role on campus, with approximately 40 percent of students affiliated with Greek life. In terms of academics, Vanderbilt is comprised of 10 schools and colleges covering disciplines from the humanities to music to engineering. The school is known for its close-knit residential education and experiential learning in the classroom and beyond.

Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management is ranked #27 in Best Business Schools. Ranked at #5 in medical research and #82 in primary care, it’s no surprise Vanderbilt is one of the best colleges in Tennessee for pre-med. Vanderbilt does not have an undergraduate nursing program, but the Vanderbilt MS nursing program’s ranking is #6 in the country.

2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville: A Public Research Powerhouse

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is one of the best public colleges in Tennessee. It is ranked #115 in National Universities and has a 75% acceptance rate. On the University of Tennessee Admissions page, you can learn about housing options, student services, and financial aid. Its Supply Chain Management/Logistics program is ranked #3 in the country. Other popular majors include business, marketing, engineering, journalism, and psychology.

The University of Tennessee is a public institution that was founded in 1794. It is a public research institution in Knoxville, one of the state’s largest cities, and it’s the flagship campus for the state school. It has more than 40 fraternities and sororities for students to join and is also known for its sports teams which compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where students and faculty tackle research and other projects.

As a large university, UT Knoxville offers students a wide selection of majors and resources for career development. Students can choose from over 360 programs of study across nine colleges. University of Tennessee Admissions accepts applications through the Common App. However, students will also need to create a Go Vols account. There, you’ll register for campus tours and apply for Honors & Scholars programs and cohort programs. Students whose goal is to study at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis can pursue either a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree in UT Knoxville’s pre-med concentration. UT Knoxville is ranked #55 in Best Engineering Schools. UT Knoxville is ranked #55 in Best Business Schools.

3. Belmont University: A Christ-Centered Institution in Music City

One of the best private colleges in Tennessee is Belmont University. Like other colleges in Tennessee, Belmont is located in Nashville. However, the Belmont University acceptance rate is higher: 88%. While the Belmont University acceptance rate is relatively high, Belmont is committed to providing their students with a rigorous, innovative, and engaging academic experience. Belmont’s mission is to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, championing integrity, collaboration, inquiry, service, and humility.

Belmont University is a private institution that was founded in 1890. It is a Christian school just two miles southwest of Nashville, right in the heart of the “Music City.” When students aren’t enjoying the vibrant music and nightlife Nashville has to offer, they are cheering on Belmont’s sports teams, the Bruins, that compete in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference and are an essential part of the school. Another defining feature of the university is the high-caliber education it provides.

With a liberal arts and sciences focus and a mission based upon Christian ideals, Belmont develops well-rounded individuals who make significant contributions both domestically and abroad. Students can choose from over 95 diverse and challenging majors that encompass not only the arts and sciences, but pre-professional areas as well. FIRST-YEAR SEMINARAs an introduction and transition to college life, all first-time college students are required to take GND 1015: First-Year Seminar. The theme of this course is “ways of knowing,” which focuses the curriculum on the nature of knowledge, how it differs from mere belief, and the various ways in which human beings construct and evaluate knowledge claims. Individual faculty members choose sub-themes for their own sections, including such topics as Japanese culture, dreams, finding common ground, and voodoo. Belmont offers a BA, Master’s, post-graduate APRN, and Doctor of Nursing degrees.

4. Union University: Rooted in Faith and Tradition

The next school on our list of TN best colleges is located in Jackson, TN. Union University ranked #194 nationally and has an acceptance rate of 53%. Like other top colleges in Tennessee, Union is a Christian university. Students can choose from over 107 majors, from chemical physics to commercial songwriting to organ performance.

Read also: Collegiate Golf Guide

Founded in 1823, Union University is the oldest university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union seeks to be Christ-centered in all areas of University life. With more than 100 programs of study, Union University offers the opportunity to further your knowledge in the arts, science, business, health care, and education. The school is highly ranked for its dorms-every student gets a private room in apartment-style residence halls with a kitchen and laundry facilities in the apartment. Students can pursue over 27 different education tracks in Union’s BSN, MSN, post-graduate, and DNP programs. Their traditional BSN program allows students to pursue a nursing degree within a liberal arts framework.

5. Lipscomb University: Integrating Faith and Learning

Another great university in Nashville is Lipscomb University. Lipscomb has a 74% acceptance rate and is ranked #212 in National Universities. Like other private colleges in Tennessee, Lipscomb allows students to engage in challenging coursework while learning from innovative faculty members. Students will study within one of Lipscomb’s sixteen colleges & schools, like the College of Health Sciences and the Hazelip School of Theology.

Lipscomb University is a top-tier Christian liberal arts institution located in the heart of Nashville committed to developing students’ academic excellence and Christian faith. With top academic programs, small class sizes, dedicated faculty, Lipscomb University is committed to providing you with a top-tier education that integrates faith into the curriculum.

Lipscomb’s College of Business is ranked #212 in Best Business Schools. Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences houses its pre-medical program, which prepares students to successfully apply to medical school. Their Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) helps students navigate prerequisite requirements, networking opportunities, and interview preparation.

6. University of Memphis: A Carnegie R1 Research Institution

The first school on our list of top colleges in Tennessee located in Memphis is the University of Memphis. UofM is ranked #263 nationwide and has an 85% acceptance rate. Students can take advantage of UofM’s status as a Carnegie R1 research institution or cheer alongside their peers at Division I sporting events. In the classroom, students can explore majors across ten schools. The University of Memphis is ranked #152 in Best Engineering Schools.

7. Tennessee Tech University: Themed Housing and Learning Communities

Another one of our TN best colleges for students looking for public colleges in Tennessee is Tennessee Tech. Students who live on campus in Cookeville can choose from several themed housing options and living-learning communities. Tennessee Tech has a 79% acceptance rate and is ranked #285 nationwide. Tennessee Tech is ranked #182 in Best Engineering Schools. Tennessee Technological University has a median total debt after graduation of $16,144. This is the typical debt for a student who completed their undergraduate degree.

Tennessee Tech University is a public research university in Cookeville, Tennessee.

8. Lincoln Memorial University: Steeped in History

Another one of our top private colleges in Tennessee is Lincoln Memorial University. Lincoln Memorial is located in Harrogate, about 55 miles north of Knoxville in the Appalachian Mountains. It is ranked #299 in National Universities and has a 75% acceptance rate. The school, originally founded as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln, is home to 1,560 undergraduates who study across 10 LMU locations in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Founded in 1897, Lincoln Memorial University is a private institution in Harrogate, Tennessee. Our nation’s beloved 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, envisioned “a great university for the people of this area” here in the Cumberland Gap. Lincoln Memorial University is the heir of that vision, and embraces his legacy with pride. Nestled in the pristine Appalachian Mountain range, LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, is both scenic and historic.

The LMU Office of Research, Grants, and Sponsored Programs (ORGSP) assists the institution in hosting opportunities for undergraduate students to partner with faculty and/or present their research. One opportunity is through the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference and another is at LMU’s own LMU Research Day.

9. Middle Tennessee State University: A Wide Range of Programs

At #299 in National Universities, Middle Tennessee State University is tied with Lincoln Memorial. However, Middle Tennessee State University Admissions is slightly more selective with an acceptance rate of 68%. Students can choose from over 300+ programs at Middle Tennessee’s campus in Murfreesboro. Middle Tennessee State University has an average net price of $12,265 making it the least expensive school in Tennessee that made our list. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 94%, with an SAT range of 990-1200, making it the least exclusive college in Tennessee on our list.

Middle Tennessee State University is consistently evolving its programs to ensure that students keep up with the fast-paced evolution of the global market.

10. East Tennessee State University: Located in the Appalachian Highlands

The last school on our list of top colleges in Tennessee is East Tennessee State University. Located in Johnson City, East Tennessee State University admissions has an acceptance rate of 87% and a ranking of #317 nationally. Popular majors include nursing, psychology, computer and information science, and biology. East Tennessee does have an undergraduate nursing program, where students can earn a BS in nursing.

Additional Noteworthy Institutions

Rhodes College: Rhodes is a private institution that was founded in 1848. It is an ideal environment for students to explore experimental learning. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the Rhodes campus is close to the heart of the city where many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters, offering students an abundance of internship opportunities. For fun, students often venture into downtown Memphis to experience the city’s famed music scene, dining, professional sporting events, and museums. Greek life is a huge part of campus social life as nearly half of all students are involved in the school’s 15 fraternities and sororities. Rhodes also boasts over 100 student organizations for students not as interested in Greek life. The school’s biggest priorities are intellectual engagement and service to others. Flexible independent and off-campus study is encouraged at Rhodes. Choices include pre-designed or self-designed interdisciplinary majors, individualized study options such as the honors program, directed inquiry projects, the tutorial plan, and study abroad. State-of-the-art technology is everywhere on the wireless campus at Rhodes. “Smart” classrooms, located throughout the campus, offer Internet access and computer and video displays. Rhodes’ pre-professional programs in health include clinical psychology, dentistry, medicine, and other specializations.
The University of the South (Sewanee): The University of the South is a private institution that was founded in 1857 and has multiple time-honored traditions that students take part in. One of which is the dress code in place that requires men to wear coats and ties and women to wear dresses or skirts to class. Southern Tennessee is known for its vast wilderness and wildlife, so students have the opportunity to rock climb, mountain bike, and explore caves at their fingertips. The campus is home to over 100 student organizations, including more than 20 Greek organizations. Sewanee’s undergraduate pre-health programs include pre-medical, dental, psychical therapy, physician assistant, veterinary, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.
Milligan University: Milligan University is a private institution that was founded in 1866 and is a Christian-affiliated college located in northeastern Tennessee. Students can choose their field of study from over 100 majors. More than 70 percent of the student body lives on campus, and every student is permitted to have a car on campus, letting them participate in more than 40 different student clubs and organizations.
Baptist Health Sciences University: Baptist Health Sciences University, formerly Baptist College of Health Sciences, is a private, coeducational, specialized college in Memphis, Tennessee, operated by Baptist Memorial Health Care.
Christian Brothers University: Christian Brothers University was founded in 1871 and is a four-year, private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Although the school upholds the Lasallian teachings of faith, service, and community both inside and outside of the classroom, students from 30 different religious backgrounds attend this university. CBU gives scholarships and financial aid to 97% of the student body.
Carson-Newman University: Carson-Newman University students experience what higher education can be at this nationally recognized university, founded in 1851. This liberal arts-based institution integrates faith and learning in a nurturing and rigorous teaching environment where students come first. Carson-Newman offers the resources necessary for the enrichment of each student’s education, from quality faculty and academic programs to state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Carson-Newman’s exceptionally high placement rates in professional programs in medicine, law, business, education and theological study is a testimony to the excellence of its rigorous academic programs. Students leave the University prepared to enter the professional world, with skills that extend beyond their academic program.
Johnson University: Johnson University is a place where students build deep relationships, study important subjects, and grow into young adults who are ready for lives of leadership and service. Many faculty live on campus, attending sports events, eating meals in the cafeteria, and inviting students into their homes. Every student completes 15 hours of service-learning every semester, graduating with at least 120 total service hours. The Service and Learning Together (SALT) program enables students to apply classroom learning to real-life situations by providing service in the church and in the community.
Maryville College: Perfectly situated between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, Maryville College is a place where you’ll experience the everyday comforts of a welcoming community and beautiful campus. These elements will hone your thinking and decision-making skills, and help you discover what interests you, what drives you, and what your greater purpose is. You’ll be equipped to address the hard problems, connect with people all over the globe, and succeed in any career (including the ones that have yet to be imagined). Since 1947, the Senior Study has been a distinctive part of every Maryville student’s experience. In this two-semester, faculty-supervised undergraduate research project, students choose a topic related to their major and explore their career goals and passions. Completed studies take many forms (traditional research, original compositions, field work, etc.) and are impressive additions to résumés and graduate school applications.

HBCU in Tennessee

There are 7 HBCU schools in Tennessee. HBCU are some of the best colleges in Tennessee for students looking for a supportive faculty and community. The HBCU in Tennessee each offer a unique experience. This Christian college emphasizes a liberal arts education, preparing students for leadership, service, and excellence in their chosen field. Fisk is another university with a liberal arts curriculum whose core values are diversity, excellence, teamwork, accountability, integrity, leadership, and service. Knoxville, a private Christian college, is the only HBCU in East Tennessee. Lane College was founded by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1882. LeMoyne offers 22 unique majors across six academic divisions. Located in Nashville, Meharry is one of the country’s oldest historically black health science academic institutions. Tennessee State is an urban, co-ed, land-grant university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Considering Colleges in Nashville

According to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, there are over 30 colleges and universities in the Nashville area. You can find art colleges, public colleges, and private colleges in Tennessee’s capital. Nashville, also known as Music City, is a dynamic place for students to attend college. While many are familiar with Nashville’s musical heritage, the city is also home to countless museums, performing arts venues, historic landmarks, art galleries, and more.

Community Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee also offers community colleges for students who aren’t ready to pursue a four-year degree. Generally, community colleges in Tennessee will have a transfer center, which helps students navigate the transfer process. One of the best community colleges in Tennessee is Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville. Students can be part-time or full-time and take either day or night classes. Courses are designed to give students applicable, real-world skills in popular industries like automotive, cosmetology, and construction. In addition to taking classes, students can join various organizations. Skills USA provides education experiences to help build leadership and teamwork skills.

If you’re looking for community colleges in Tennessee farther east, check out Walters State Community College in Morristown. Jackson State is another great option for students looking for community colleges in Tennessee. Students can choose from different divisions including business and industry, health sciences, computer information technology, nursing, humanities and social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. Jackson State offers Distance Education, which allows students to take classes with flexible course structures. Some community colleges in Tennessee, like Jackson State, are part of the Tennessee Board of Regents. This group includes 13 community colleges, each with a specific service area.

Paying for College in Tennessee

While community colleges in Tennessee can be more cost-friendly than other four-year universities, they aren’t free. No, colleges in Tennessee are not free. At most major universities and colleges in Tennessee, students will pay similar amounts in tuition and fees that they would pay in other states.

What are average tuition costs in Tennessee?The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Tennessee is $5,715 for in-state students at public institutions, $16,601 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $19,223 for students at private institutions.

In addition to covering tuition and fees for students, Tennessee Promise also pairs participants with a mentor who will help them through the college admissions process. The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship can also help students fund the cost of attending college in Tennessee. Awards are also available for summer enrollment.

Rankings and Considerations

News & World Report list of the best national universities. News, a digital media company known for its rankings, it considers schools to be national universities if they offer a full range of undergraduate majors, alongside master's programs, doctoral programs and professional practice doctorates. News Managing Editor for Education LaMont Jones said in a Sept. News considered more than 1,700 schools to determine this year's lists. It also ranked the best liberal arts colleges in the nation and provided several other specialized rankings.

News list of the best national universities. Here are the fifteen in Tennessee that made the cut:

No. 17: Vanderbilt University (private, Nashville)
No. 102: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (public, Knoxville)
No. 213: Belmont University (private, Nashville)
No. 222: Lipscomb University (private, Nashville)
No. 242: Union University (private, Jackson)
No. 257 (tied): Middle Tennessee State University (public, Murfreesboro)
No. 257 (tied): Tennessee Tech University (public, Cookeville)
No. 273: University of Memphis (public, Memphis)
No. 301: East Tennessee State University (public, Johnson City)
No. 329: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (public, Chattanooga)
No. 343: Lincoln Memorial University (private, Harrogate)
No. 358: Carson-Newman University (private, Jefferson City)
No. 363: Trevecca Nazarene University (private, Nashville)
No. 395-434: South College (private/proprietary, Knoxville and Nashville)*
No. 395-434: Tennessee State University (public, Nashville)**

News list of the best liberal arts colleges. News defines liberal arts colleges as schools that emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts. Here are the five in Tennessee that made the cut:

No. 45: Sewanee: The University of the South (private, Sewanee)
No. 55: Rhodes College (private, Memphis)
No. 156: Fisk University (private, Nashville)
No. 170: Maryville College (private, Maryville)
No. 183-201: Lane College (private, Jackson)**

News college and university rankings have driven questions over their accuracy and relevance. Some schools have opted out of the rankings.A 2025 survey of college admissions officers by Kaplan, a global education services company, revealed 70% said college rankings have lost some of their prestige in recent years. News. News college and university rankings, including lists for best regional schools, best value schools, most innovative colleges and more, at USnews.com/best-colleges.Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear?

Finding the Right Fit

It may be tempting to apply to schools on our list of top colleges in Tennessee. However, they won’t all necessarily be a great fit for you. All of these colleges in Tennessee have programs and qualities that make them unique. First off, you might want to consider college size. Generally, schools can be categorized as small, medium, or large universities. For example, there’s a big differenc…

tags: #top #ranked #colleges #in #tennessee #list