Colleges in Tennessee

There are 71 accredited colleges and universities in Tennessee. They admit an average of 70% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $16,324 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Tennessee

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Tennessee. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN6%
Rhodes CollegeMemphis, TN50%
The University of the SouthSewanee, TN51%
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN46%
Union UniversityJackson, TN47%
Visible Music CollegeMemphis, TN29%
Fisk UniversityNashville, TN58%
Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TN67%
Maryville CollegeMaryville, TN66%
Milligan UniversityMilligan, TN70%
Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TN67%
Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate, TN59%
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN68%
Johnson UniversityKnoxville, TN54%
Lee UniversityCleveland, TN72%
Tennessee Wesleyan UniversityAthens, TN59%
Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City, TN68%
Belmont UniversityNashville, TN96%
Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville, TN70%
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TN83%
The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN77%
East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN87%
Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TN88%
The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin, TN87%
The University of Tennessee SouthernPulaski, TN83%
Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson, TN91%
University of MemphisMemphis, TN93%
Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN96%
Bethel UniversityMcKenzie, TN97%
King UniversityBristol, TN54%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee

Universities in Tennessee with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Roane State Community CollegeHarriman, TN$4,270
Dyersburg State Community CollegeDyersburg, TN$4,612
Columbia State Community CollegeColumbia, TN$4,734
Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMemphis, TN$4,754
Pellissippi State Community CollegeKnoxville, TN$4,983
Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN$5,283
Walters State Community CollegeMorristown, TN$5,387
Jackson State Community CollegeJackson, TN$6,236
Nashville State Community CollegeNashville, TN$6,777
Northeast State Community CollegeBlountville, TN$6,864
Le Moyne-Owen CollegeMemphis, TN$7,099
Volunteer State Community CollegeGallatin, TN$7,802

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Tennessee?

There are 71 accredited colleges and universities in Tennessee in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 70% of applicants and cost about $16,324 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University is the highest nationally ranked university in Tennessee. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 71 Tennessee colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Tennessee?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Tennessee is about $16,324 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

Next steps

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