2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in the Nashville Area

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Murfreesboro, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,466 reviews

Freshman: The MTSU experience has been phenomenal so far, and I love the dining hall! The food is always good quality and the staff is always friendly and nice, my professors care about education and they care about my personal educational journey. One thing I would change about the college however is expanding the on campus therapy available to students. The amount of other utilities that the campus provides in the rec center, pharmacy, and clinic are immense and the amount of food options and entertainment are enormous, but the attempt to focus on mental health is very thin. The therapy center is very tiny and only offers two sessions. They also aren't really all that good at dealing with really serious stuff. To be honest, I would pay extra for convenient and safe mental healthcare if it was provided at this institution. Other than that, no complaints really.... Read 3,466 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $12,617

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Nashville, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  22 reviews

Freshman: I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of help the financial aid provides, and the patience they have to answer all questions... Read 22 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,348

• SAT range —

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  435 reviews

Freshman: Trevecca Nazarene University is a Christian university located in Nashville TN. Trevecca Nazarene University is ranked as one of the 100 best colleges and universities in America, according to Forbes magazine. This Christian institution offers undergraduate and graduate level studies through its college of business and liberal arts, a university center that leads to bachelor's degrees in biblical studies (BSB), early childhood education (ECE), English language and literature (ELP), English as a second language concentration (ESE) and technical education services. In addition to an array of academic programs and degrees, Trevecca Nazarene offers career-focused programs like the American Society for Training and Development's Certified Advertising Educator Program (CATEP) and Certified Hospitality & Restaurant Manager Certification Program (CHRM).... Read 435 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,795

• SAT range 1040-1290

• Gallatin, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  137 reviews

Freshman: One of the things I love most at Welch college is the community of fellowship and friendship that surrounds you everywhere. Almost everything around you is geared towards helping you deepen your relationship to Christ, while also providing you with with quality education. What I like about the curriculum is that it's set up in a way to prepare you for real life which other institutions often fail at achieving. Even the upperclassmen and especially the professors genuinely care about you and future. They all strive in helping you in the pursuit of achieving your goals and making it through the college years intact. All in all, I believe deciding to attend this college will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. It certainly was mine!... Read 137 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,917

• SAT range —