2024 Best Colleges for Music in Tennessee

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,342 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 1,342 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,784 reviews

Freshman: Belmont has been a great experience so far. All of the people have been nothing short of inviting and welcoming. Initially what drew me to Belmont was the music atmosphere and the location, but upon my first time visiting I completely fell in love with the campus. The campus and the University's grounds are absolutely captivating, and I especially love the campus because it makes it feel more like home and less like school. This school is notably known for its music programs, but it has some other amazing programs as well, and the school is constantly working towards improving their programs every year. No matter what you are majoring in, there are great networking opportunities here in Nashville, and there is always something fun to do! A last bonus about this school is the beautiful music that students play in the gazebos at night, it is so incredibly peaceful, and it's proof that so much talent exists here!... Read 1,784 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $35,268

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Murfreesboro, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,479 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 3,479 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $12,617

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  843 reviews

Junior: The professors are very kind, and they try their best to make you feel comfortable in the classroom. There will be times where your professors will sit down with you to have coffee, others will invite the entire class for lunch at their house! It gives you a chance to bond and really connect with the professor. A lot of the courses are challenging, but Lipscomb has a lot of great programs that help with those challenging courses. The labs are very interactive, and truly the best experience at Lipscomb. It teaches you material that you'll need later on in your career. Overall, Lipscomb is very worth it!... Read 843 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $26,614

• SAT range 1100-1270

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  439 reviews

Freshman: The campus itself was beautiful! The staff were really nice. I am a biology major, and the science department truly cares about you. They all want you to exceed in all walks of life. They teach in a way you can understand the concept and explain it to anyone!... Read 439 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,795

• SAT range 1040-1290

• Cleveland, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,567 reviews

Freshman: I have had a great experience at Lee University so far! The culture here is awesome, and the professors and students are very intentional in the ways they have looked to form relationships with me in this first semester. I play on the Women's soccer team here, so I have been able to get involved with not only that team, but also several other athletic teams here. The professors are always super helpful and willing to work with my schedule, which makes classes much more manageable and enjoyable.... Read 1,567 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $19,159

• SAT range 1000-1230

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  2,223 reviews

Freshman: I love being a Tiger. The community of students, faculty, and alumni is full of spirit! Every professor I've had so far has been amazing. My history professor, for example, sent me a message saying she was proud of me. All of my professors have been really understanding of any mistakes I've made, too. They're also usually willing to admit to their own mistakes. As someone who was homeschooled and had trouble with math, I was so scared. I was terrified that I would do well, and I would end up with a bad GPA. However, I have a 92% in Algebra and an overall 3.7 GPA! This was definitely the best school for me.... Read 2,223 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $14,251

• SAT range 990-1200

• Martin, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  998 reviews

Alum: I love how UT Martin is such a safe environment. There’s not that many distractions out, so you can focus on your work easier. I enjoyed the activities the students are given. The Chancellor is always involved. The only change I would like to see is more help with after graduation jobs and guidance. Overall, I had an amazing experience. The staff is helpful and always wear a smile!... Read 998 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $11,646

• SAT range 1010-1170

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,934 reviews

Sophomore: I think that many are drawn to UTK because it is a large public campus and campus/football life is exciting for them. I, however, was never interested much in campus/football life and I actually discovered when I came here that I would have preferred a smaller campus with more intimate classroom settings and more general desire to learn and grow (vs. party and football). Freshman year was "ehh" for me because I was in HUGE lecture hall classes and the course content was relatively easy and my classmates didn't seem to care about learning. Luckily, my sophomore year and even a couple classes second semester freshman year were much smaller since I was getting into the more niche subject areas. The French Department here is filled with fun professors! I would like to maybe see even more care of students by the nursing college though. I feel like these first two years we are somewhat disconnected from the nursing faculty since we are not in the upper division courses yet.... Read 3,934 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,512

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Knoxville, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  849 reviews

Other: I have a dual enrollment block at Pellissippi State Community College Blount County Campus and I love every minute of it. My one class that I have is great. My teacher is wonderful, there are many opportunities for success in school with teacher aid and the 24 hour tutoring center. The environment is very inviting even as part time student. The amount of emails I get to join clubs, go to social events, or participate in community service is amazing and makes me feel like I have the opportunity to be involved even as a DE student. I wouldn’t change anything at the moment. The class length is perfect. The building is very new and inviting. The amount of windows and openness for me goes a long way and makes the environment feel more comfortable. I am having a fantastic experience at Pellissippi State Community College Blount County campus and expect to have the same great time until I leave.... Read 849 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,454

• SAT range —

• Gallatin, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  640 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman, I was very nervous to start college. I actually had 2 classes in person this semester, but I had to drop them due to some medical issues. Online classes are very fun and easy to complete, when the person is organized. When I first went to the campus to sign up for my classes, the staff and professors were very welcoming. I am very relieved that the first semester is almost over!... Read 640 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,723

• SAT range —

• Chattanooga, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  569 reviews

Graduate Student: I could say a multitude of wonderful things about Chattanooga State Community College, but if I had to choose one thing to share, it would be how amazing the staff is. Chatt State's staff goes above and beyond to ensure every student’s needs are met; whether physical, emotional, or mental. From the lunch ladies, janitors, and security team, to the ladies in the bursar's office, professors, and presidential staff. Because Chattanooga State is a two-year community college, I would like to see more opportunities for students to practice skills in the environment of their field/major. Other schools may have higher academic scores or even a more "exciting" athletic department, but no one else could possibly have a greater staff. These workers put everything into making sure students have all the tools they need to continue on to higher education or head straight into the workforce. What more could you ask for? Choose Chattanooga State Community College to be a part of your success story!... Read 569 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,027

• SAT range —

• Columbia, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  494 reviews

Freshman: I am returning to school after graduating from high school 11 years earlier. It has been very intimidating. The staff, including my advisor and professors, have been very helpful in my transition at this new stage of my life. It has been greatly appreciated. I know I will have more questions and run into problems along the way that I will not know my way around but feel very comfortable going to the staff with questions. Classes have been interesting and keep my attention well, considering my issues with concentration. I really look forward to my future studies at this school. I can't wait for my family to see me walk across the stage. I am proud of be a Columbia State Charger!... Read 494 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,920

• SAT range —

• Nashville, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  568 reviews

Freshman: Nashville State has been incredibly helpful and supportive during my first year of college. There's plenty of events and fun activities for us to do on a weekly basis and the teachers are incredible! They'll meet with you any time they can and will help you in every way they know how! It's truly a supportive and amazing environment and I have loved every second of being a part of this school!... Read 568 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,348

• SAT range —

• Tullahoma, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  498 reviews

Sophomore: All of my professors make themselves very available to students with questions (with an exception of one that I had this past semester). This was a huge help! Especially English Professor James Stringfield. He was an exceptional professor! I quite enjoyed a Geology class & Music class I took there as well. The new building they built on the Smyrna campus is very beautiful and roomy on the inside. Parking lot isn’t usually full in the back, so there is some room to walk in between classes. Tuition was around $1,100 for 2 classes this past semester (I was part time). Overall a pleasant experience.... Read 498 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,272

• SAT range —

• Morristown, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  481 reviews

Sophomore: First, I love that you can get your Associates degree completely free! That is super helpful for students like me who are having to pay for college out of their own pocket! Second, the education curriculum and textbooks are very very similar to that of a University’s, meaning you are not losing ANY educational lessons! Finally, the staff and teachers are so helpful! Just about all the teachers there are wanting you to succeed and are super lieutenant when it comes to assignments, deadlines, and grading! The staff are the nicest people ever and will help answer any of your questions! The college building itself is built beautifully, and for students who are fresh out of high school and are planning to transfer to a 4-year college later, WS is a wonderful jump to introduce you to college without the overwhelming thirty thousand students and twenty buildings. Definitely recommend this community college!... Read 481 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,048

• SAT range —

• Harriman, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  510 reviews

Sophomore: I have enjoyed many things at Roane State. A few of the things I’ve like about this school is the willingness to help each student from the financial aid office, the staff, and the advisors. Bring a first generation graduate, I’ve had to figure out many things myself, but thanks to the people at Roane State, it hasn’t been difficult. Another thing I like about Roane State is that there is always free food on Wednesdays. Yummy! Another thing I’ve enjoyed is how there is always some type of event where students can participate in and win things. One thing I would like to see changed is the way the Harriman campus looks. The inside is fine itself, but the outside looks dull and not welcoming. A few more plants, a few more colors, and pressure washing the outside of the building would make it look slight better. The Oak Ridge campus looks alot more appealing and welcoming than the Harriman campus. I think it should be the other way around. Overall, I have enjoyed this community college.... Read 510 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,853

• SAT range —

• Collegedale, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  824 reviews

Sophomore: The school shines in its outdoor activities allowing for a lot of new and exciting opportunities such as rock climbing, white water kayaking, caving, etc. Many of the professors have a passion and gift for teaching, encouraging students to take responsibility for their education. However, the food tends to be expensive without many options and has a subpar taste. Additionally, events such as Vespers or Convocation count towards mandatory worship credits. If these worship credits are not met the students can face heavy fees. The housing department of the school is abysmal and can take weeks to respond or not follow up at all. Finally, the administration makes decisions that put its wealthy donors first, making policies that negatively impact the happiness of the students.... Read 824 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $24,127

• SAT range 970-1250

• Mckenzie, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  432 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love Bethel and the atmosphere. It's a great school with great professors who are willing to help you and work with you if you are having trouble. We have great sports programs as well as an outstanding Renaissance group! I think that anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging college should definitely look into it! We have a beautiful campus and amazing church services. Bethel definitely stands out and is one of the best schools that I have ever visited. I am so glad that I chose Bethel University.... Read 432 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $16,139

• SAT range 880-1080

• Lebanon, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  318 reviews

Senior: Cumberland University is now considered my home away from home! It's in the center of Lebanon, TN, and is within walking distance of every local business. I love the small town feel and the environment Cumberland creates to make its students feel like family. There are tons of organizations to be involved in whether greek or clubs. There are so many memories and relationships to be made here, that you will leave Cumberland with a refreshing mindset of the world. Thanks, Cumberland for making this experience a lesson that I will take with me for the rest of my life!... Read 318 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $28,459

• SAT range 910-1100

• Jackson, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  681 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love my school! At Union, the students are surrounded by loving professors, caring peers, and strong academic challenges! Union's core values are Future Directed, People Focused, Excellence Driven, and Christ Centered and this university truly embodies those values! I love how connected the professors are with the students. They make every individual feel like a part of their own family! One thing I wish would change would be accessibility to scholarships.... Read 681 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $27,660

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Jefferson City, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  531 reviews

Freshman: If you love personal, one-on-one learning, then Carson-Newman is the place for you! Every professor I have had so far has remembered my name and will even talk to me outside of class in passing. So overall, the staff is tremendous! Another thing that I love is since it is a smaller university, you can make deeper connections will your peers because chances are you will see them on campus or have classes with them constantly. Also, one of the main reasons I chose to attend C-N is due to their Bonner Scholar program, which is service-based. Through the program, I have truly learned and grown as a person and have discovered new passions while serving others and the community. In addition, the scholarship pays for my stay here, which is a nice bonus. Overall, I 10/10 recommend coming here if you want high-quality professors, friendly staff and administrators, great programs and clubs, and, most notably, an incredible opportunity to make lasting friendships!... Read 531 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,147

• SAT range 960-1150

• Cleveland, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  180 reviews

Graduate Student: It was a great collage experience! If you are coming from highschool into Cleveland State Community College it may seem stressful at first due to the differences and tonal shift it has from standard K-12, but it feels much more freeing after a while. Their website may be a bit frustrating at the start and if you are using TN Promise you may want to send an email to the school about your payment if it seems high since the amount due to you if you actually are doing TN Promise you should only have fees that typically equate to under 500/400 dollars. Your starting schedule helper may struggle to accurately make your schedule since they have to make it for many. Once you get your specific advisor you will have a much better time I'm scheduling since they can more easily work with you one on one. Make sure also to schedule smartly so that your time fits you and there isn't too much down time. CSCC's Athens campus feels very freeing to be at and learning in and I would say it is excellent.... Read 180 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,184

• SAT range —

• Maryville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  384 reviews

Other: I am actually an upcoming freshman at Maryville, and I am going to be playing for their softball team. So far, I really love Maryville College. The counseling staff is amazing, they are friendly and work fast to answer all of my questions. The campus is beautiful and smaller, so I won't have to worry about navigating a large campus. And I am very excited to be joining their softball program, it is a drama free environment which is definitely a relief. I am very excited to be continuing my education at Maryville College! Go Scotts!... Read 384 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $22,320

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  521 reviews

Freshman: Fisk creates a gratifying learning experience for all of its students. Teachers are knowledgeable in their field of study, and the upperclassmen are incredibly caring and show us, underclassmen, a lot of support for adjusting to the new environment. It is said that Fisk is a family, and I agree entirely. Everyone wants the best for you and for you to achieve your goals. Students and staff have unconditional love. My only issue are the financial aid office, in that some staff there are not the most helpful with adding money into your account, making things a bit tense. But overall, I have truly enjoyed my time at Fisk, made wonderful connections with teachers, staff and students there, I cannot wait to return next semester and the years to come!... Read 521 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $25,582

• SAT range 1060-1360