Higher Education in Tennessee
College education is a high priority for the state of Tennessee. The most recent U.S. census showed that 29% of the approximately seven million residents of the state hold a bachelor's degree or higher. But state leaders have set a goal to encourage at least 55% of Tennesseans to earn a college degree, diploma, or certificate by 2025 through the state's Drive to 55 program. They feel that higher education is the key to creating a skilled workforce that's prepared for the future.
Those who want to attend college in Tennessee have 158 options, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The state government oversees two public systems and six independent public universities:
- The University of Tennessee System offers a diverse selection of institutions. Four campuses are located in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, and Martin. There is also the Health Science Center in Memphis as well as the Institute of Agriculture and the Institute for Public Service, both in Knoxville.
- The College System of Tennessee, operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), is made up of 37 schools — 13 community colleges and 24 technical colleges. Community colleges can be found in cities such as Cleveland, Jackson, and Dyersburg. Some of the many technical colleges, which are focused on developing vocational skills, are located in Athens, Murfreesboro, Paris, and Nashville.
- The six universities independently operated by the state are: Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee State University in Nashville, and Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville.
Tennessee is also home to nonprofit and for-profit private colleges and universities of all sizes. These include Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Rhodes University in Memphis, Bethel University in McKenzie, Christian Brothers University in Memphis, and Cumberland University in Lebanon.
Online Colleges in Tennessee
For the past two decades, distance education has been growing in popularity. Many colleges in Tennessee and across the country provide online courses and fully online degree programs. For example, the TBR schools in the College System of Tennessee offer more than 500 online associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificates through the consolidated TN eCampus hub.
Although we use bachelor's degrees to rank our list of the best online colleges in Tennessee, you can also complete associate degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs at online universities in Tennessee.
Like most colleges across the U.S., Tennessee colleges have similar admissions requirements for their on-campus and online programs. To apply, you'll need to submit high school and college transcripts and possibly an application fee along with your online application.
Some schools may also request college entrance exam scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a list of your extracurricular activities, such as jobs, sports, and clubs. At the more competitive schools, you may need to show that your high school GPA exceeded a minimum, such as 2.5 or 2.8.
Full-time students often need four to five years to complete the typical 120-124 credit hours required for an online bachelor's degree and two to three years to complete a 30-credit hour master's degree. Part-time undergraduate and graduate students generally need longer time frames to fulfill their degree requirements. If you want to earn your degree faster, an accelerated online program with shorter terms may be a good choice for you.
Before deciding on an online degree program in Tennessee, check the school's accreditation status. Enrollment in an accredited college may affect your eligibility for financial aid, your ability to transfer credits between schools, your enrollment in a graduate program, or your ability to obtain a credential or license to practice a specific profession.
All of the online colleges in Tennessee shown on our rankings list are accredited, usually by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), both of which are approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Another important consideration is the program format. Some online programs' courses are asynchronous. This means you can access course materials and complete your assignments at your convenience as long as you meet the instructor's deadlines. Some online courses, however, may be synchronous. These courses require you to stream live lectures at specified times so you can participate in learning activities with your classmates.
Popular Online Degree Programs in Tennessee
Online degree programs attract many students, mainly because of their convenience, flexibility, and affordability. Adult learners often choose online master's and doctoral programs so they can earn a graduate degree without having to relocate. Among the more popular online master's programs are business administration, healthcare administration, accounting, and organizational leadership.
Online Tennessee colleges offer even more possibilities for earning bachelor's degrees. You can easily find a program in one of the most common majors, such as computer engineering, criminal justice, and psychology. However, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that Tennessee colleges confer more bachelor's degrees in business than in any other subject. Many of these undergraduate degrees can be earned through Tennessee online colleges:
Business programs are designed to give graduates the skills they need to take on management roles in all types of business organizations and industries. You can get a broad business overview by majoring in management, or you may want to zero in on a particular aspect of business by studying accounting, finance, or human resources.
Humanities programs allow students to explore historical influences on modern culture. English, philosophy, and religious studies are some of the majors available within the humanities.
Healthcare programs prepare students for many types of careers in the healthcare field. Nursing programs train graduates to work with patients in medical settings, for example, while healthcare administration programs teach students to manage healthcare facilities.
Even in an online program, you may need to complete hands-on experiential learning activities, such as internships, externships, labs, and various types of fieldwork. You'll usually complete these learning activities at facilities near your home. For instance, if you're enrolled in an online social work program, you may be able to accumulate your clinical hours at a nearby social services agency.
Cost of Online Colleges in Tennessee
According to NCES data, earning a college degree in Tennessee may cost somewhat more than it does in other parts of the country. Before applying to online colleges in Tennessee, be sure to thoroughly research each degree program's tuition and other costs. Fees can vary within the same school or university system, depending on the degree, the delivery mode (online or in person), and your residency status.
Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021) | Two-year College(In-state) | $4,361 | $3,501 |
| Two-year College(Out-of-State) | $17,013 | $8,256 |
| Public Four-year College(In-state) | $10,271 | $9,375 |
| Public Four-year College(Out-of-State) | $25,046 | $27,091 |
| Private | $29,862 | $32,825 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2020-2021)
Two year in-state
Tennessee: $4,361
United States: $3,501
Two year out-of-state
Tennessee: $17,013
United States: $8,256
Public four year in-state
Tennessee: $10,271
United States: $9,375
Public four year out-state
Tennessee: $25,046
United States: $27,091
Private
Tennessee: $29,862
United States: $32,825
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Choosing an affordable school is one tactic for saving money on your education, but there are other ways to minimize expenses. For instance, you could attend a college where the online tuition fees are lower than the on-campus fees for in-state residents. By earning your degree through distance learning, you'll also eliminate the cost of college room and board and reduce your transportation expenses.
Another way to decrease the total cost of your college education is to enroll in one of Tennessee's many online community colleges. It's possible that you need only an associate degree or vocational certificate from a community college or technical school to pursue the career you have in mind. Or, if you plan to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year university, you could take up to 60 credit hours of general education courses at a more affordable community college and then transfer.
If you're an adult learner returning to college, you may also be able to save money by earning experiential learning credits through the TimewiseTN program. Your previous work or military experience may entitle you to receive automatic credits for certain courses, such as math or business communications, which reduces the number of courses you need to complete for your degree.
Financial Aid for Students in Tennessee
Perhaps the most effective way to reduce your college expenses is to obtain grants and scholarships that don't have to be repaid. Financial aid funds come from several sources, including the federal government and individual colleges, but money is also provided by state governments. Tennessee is one of the more generous states, awarding an average of nearly $2,500 per student.
The first step to securing financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education uses this form to gather information about your finances. The Tennessee government, along with public and private schools throughout the state, then use this data to determine the amount of financial aid you'll be offered. Some of the state financial aid programs available to Tennessee students include:
- Tennessee HOPE Scholarship: Funded by net proceeds from the state lottery, this scholarship awards Tennessee residents varying amounts up to $2,850 to pay for educational expenses. Applicants must be Tennessee high school graduates and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Tennessee HOPE Scholarship - Nontraditional: Also funded from the net proceeds of the state lottery, these scholarships support independent students as determined by the FAFSA application. Recipients enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution may receive up to $2,850.
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant: Designed to encourage adult learners to enroll in college, this grant is awarded to independent students as determined by the FAFSA application or applicants who are at least 23 years old. Recipients must be enrolled in their first degree program.
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA): A state-funded grant, the TSAA assists Tennessee residents with financial need. Awards range from $2,000-$4,000 based on a student’s program and school.
If you're earning a Tennessee online degree, you may also be eligible for the Tennessee Promise program. This is a last-dollar scholarship program designed to make up the difference between the money students receive from other financial aid sources, such as Pell Grants, and the total cost of tuition, books, and other expenses. Through this program, eligible in-state residents who graduate high school may attend a select college for up to two years for free.
If you are an active-duty military member or veteran, you may also receive college funding through the GI Bill®. You and your family members may also be entitled to tuition discounts and other services at online Tennessee colleges that are military-friendly Yellow Ribbon schools. Examples include Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, and Lee University.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Job Outlook for Tennessee College Graduates
Tennessee's economy has a bright outlook, which bodes well for recent college graduates. The state had the second fastest-growing economy in 2022 and the fastest-growing economy in 2021. Contributing to the state's future will be the Ford Motor Co., which is planning to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant, and LG Chem, which will support the facility with a nearby battery plant. The two projects bring $5.6 billion in investments to Clarksville, Tennessee.
Other top employers in Tennessee include the state government itself, along with a diverse listing of well-known brands like FedEx, Deloitte, 3M, Premise Health, BlueCrossBlueShield, Nissan, Warby Parker, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Within these companies and industries, we've identified several popular occupations in Tennessee that are projected to grow much faster than the 5% national average. These jobs require only a bachelor's degree, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports promising salaries in this state.
Annual Median Salary: $73,360
Job Growth Rate: 16.6%
Accountants and auditors may find employment with larger business organizations, or they may work as independent consultants for multiple smaller businesses. Accountants prepare financial documents, check them for accuracy, monitor potential financial risks, and advise other executives and department heads on financial decisions. Auditors double-check financial statements for accuracy.
Annual Median Salary: $94,700
Job Growth Rate: 27.5%
Larger organizations that use technology extensively often need computer systems analysts to monitor the company's IT needs. Specifically, analysts purchase and install system upgrades as needed, devise ways to maximize the use of computer systems and programs, and train employees to use the technology available to them.
Annual Median Salary: $66,570
Job Growth Rate: 33.7%
Integral members of a marketing team, market research analysts record and compile data about consumers' needs and preferences. After using statistical methods to analyze the data, they help their employers determine what products to sell, what prices to charge, and how to reach potential customers.
Annual Median Salary: $111,840
Job Growth Rate: 42.8%
Medical and health services managers are essentially business managers with specialized knowledge of the healthcare industry. They may oversee an entire medical facility or just one department within a large hospital. Among their many responsibilities, they hire and train staff, develop work schedules, and monitor budgets.
While these occupations offer respectable salaries in Tennessee, overall salaries tend to be lower than the national mean of $61,900. For example, the mean annual salary for Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin is $57,560, for Memphis $52,660, and for Knoxville $52,760. However, the cost of living index for Tennessee is significantly lower than the national index — 89.9 as compared to 100. Lower living expenses may help stretch those salaries.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Tennessee
Is College Free in Tennessee?
Technically, no, college is not free in Tennessee. However, eligible students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for the Tennessee Promise program. This last-dollar scholarship makes it possible for some in-state residents to attend one of the select member schools for up to two years without paying for tuition or other fees.
How Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities Are in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to seven HBCUs, some of which have been educating residents for close to 150 years. Of these, Tennessee State University is the only public university. The other six — American Baptist College, Fisk University, Lane College, Meharry Medical College, Knoxville College, and LeMoyne-Owen College — are all private colleges.
What Colleges Accept Tennessee Promise?
Not all colleges in Tennessee accept the Tennessee Promise. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be enrolled in a two-year program at an eligible college. Options include all of the schools in the Tennessee College of Applied Technology system, all of the Tennessee Community Colleges, and a wide range of additional schools, such as Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Lane College in Jackson, and South College in Knoxville.
