2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Tennessee

• 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

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  831 reviews

Sophomore: Lipscomb University is a school that fosters positive experiences, learning, and growth in not only academics, but also socially, spiritually, and mentally. I have sincerely enjoyed my experience at Lipscomb so far, which is primarily thanks to the effort the staff and professors put into the students. It is not hard to get what you need at Lipscomb, and it is easy to make friends and find your own community! The education department is phenomenal. They are knowledgeable and available to help with anything.... Read 831 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $26,614

• SAT range 1100-1270

• Sewanee, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  447 reviews

Junior: Sewanee offers a magical experience with academic excellence and a close-knit community. Professors are dedicated, small classes encourage in-depth learning opportunities, and the campus is breathtaking. A transformative and enriching journey awaits every student here. It blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community, imbuing its students with the skills and values necessary to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. The Alumni network is insane, they are so willing to lend a hand in whatever you need! My journey at Sewanee has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable institution to any aspiring student seeking an exceptional college experience.... Read 447 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $29,626

• SAT range 1200-1390

• 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

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,920 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student who transferred to the University of Tennessee Knoxville a couple months back. My short experience as a Vol has been unlike anything I have ever been apart of before. The energy on this campus is miraculous. The students, faculty and staff are all so engaging and welcoming. It is clear that at this institution, success is a huge deal. Student strive to be successful while professors aim to get the students prepared for their future career. The charisma that Rocky Top has is remarkable. The campus is beautiful and safe, the resources this campus has are out of this world. I am very proud to be a Vol and will carry the University of Tennessee legacy with me wherever I may end up! Go Vols!... Read 3,920 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,512

• SAT range 1170-1340

• 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

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  2,214 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Memphis provided a vast selection of courses, offering diverse perspectives and in-depth explorations of each respective subject. Many of the professors I had the pleasure of learning from were passionate and driven about their area of study, and this translated to a care for their students' academic well-being. Moreover, this often translated to a care for their students' overall well-being. While it cannot be said for everyone, in my personal experience, a majority of the professors and peers I came across were kind and motivated by community advancement. I found, most especially in the courses relative to my English (Creative Writing) major, a community of people who not only sought success and enrichment for themselves but for their peers around them. This continuously inspired me to do the same.... Read 2,214 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $14,251

• SAT range 990-1200

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,773 reviews

Freshman: Belmont has really shown me that talent does not have a label which allows me to know that I can share my story that ignites what’s within. Talents range into different categories, but having inspiration always collaborates into something. Let it be from observing different random objects or a piece that holds meaning. To know a talent, I start with myself because without myself, there would be no talent. As I am to know that I must believe in myself and my work, collective criticism and options are a must. To know that there are many possible ways to make something more eye-catching and inclusive has been provided by many faculty, staff, and students mainly because they are passionate about the successes that are achieved; hoping to help one another rise to the top. In my spirituality and faith, Belmont has provided the fellowship of communion and worship that is needed to push through anything. The reminder that God has plans for you radiates throughout the campus!... Read 1,773 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $35,268

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Johnson City, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,445 reviews

Junior: I absolutely adore ETSU! It has been such an incredible place to call home. Coming from over an hour away, and never having been to Johnson City before, I had no reason to believe this would become home for me. Despite this prior hesitancy, this place has become home. From the other students to faculty and staff, you are more than just a number here. Some larger universities it feels as though you are just another check to the university's bank account, YOU ARE NOT HERE. These people care and the location is beautiful. The faculty pushes you to go farther and beyond just the walls of the classroom. Study abroad opportunities are bountiful, and internships are easy to come by. I feel so perfectly setup for my life after college. I would suggest anyone to become a part of the Buccaneer family if you are looking for a wonderful college experience.... Read 1,445 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $14,482

• SAT range 940-1170

• Cleveland, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,562 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 1,562 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $19,159

• SAT range 1000-1230

• Henderson, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  460 reviews

Junior: I began thinking about Freed-Hardeman when I was in eighth grade. I officially made the decision to attend in my senior year and started off with a major in performance theatre. I was able to take classes that not only interested me but challenged me, it was because of that reason that I decided I wanted to become a psychology major instead. The program is incredible, and the professors are extremely helpful in furthering your work in the field.... Read 460 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $17,074

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Chattanooga, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,598 reviews

Freshman: I am starting college at UTC as a freshman, and overall my experience has been really good. I have already made a few friends and am enjoying my college schedule. I was impressed with the amount of resources at my school and how helpful my advisor is. I also am in love with downtown Chatt and all the structures on campus (I am thinking about an interior architecture major). I would like their main website to be more straight forward to people new to school, but overall my beginning experiences have been great!... Read 1,598 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $13,552

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Clarksville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,470 reviews

Sophomore: In my opinion, APSU is pretty great in academics and flexibility for students. Great college for military and non-traditional students; professors are generally pretty understanding and can accommodate you during hard/busy times. I've had many professors who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate in their subjects and it influences me to appreciate them as well, and even hold a lasting interest after the semester ends. There are plenty of housing options - if you live close enough you may even save the ~9000 dollars for a dorm -, dorms and near-campus appartments are available in the areas surrounding APSU. Student body is also diverse and accepting - I've made a few close friends! The campus is spacious but enough for everything to be a reasonable walk away. University management can be a bit unfair in their decisions (especially when cancelling classes and finals) but keeping good grades will make most campus-wide issues obsolete.... Read 1,470 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,529

• SAT range 960-1140

• Chattanooga, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  565 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 565 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,027

• SAT range —

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  668 reviews

Alum: To begin, the size of Rhodes College is ideal for getting to know many other students, especially of other graduation years. The campus has beautiful buildings (though some are better on the outside), and the location next to a large forest is especially beautiful in fall. Memphis has a lot of culture and history to provide too. The weather is pretty nice during the school year, and strong greek life means there are a lot of opportunities to go out. An added benefit is that even though greek life is strongly present, it didn't feel weird to not be a part of it and yet still go to the parties because it's about half- half. I'm thankful for my time there, for my small class sizes, and for some of the best educators I've experienced. The science departments offer plenty of research opportunities and study abroad is encouraged! Go Lynx!... Read 668 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $30,525

• SAT range 1330-1490

• 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  678 reviews

Alum: Union is a very close knit community of students and faculty. They are very involved in the local community and are supportive of many local churches and events. I absolutely LOVED my 4 years there as an undergraduate. I was truly cultivated in areas of spirituality, character, knowledge, and relationships. If you seek to be in community with other Christian believers, this is the place for you!... Read 678 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  530 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 530 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,147

• SAT range 960-1150

• 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

• Bristol, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  432 reviews

Junior: I am currently enrolled at King University studying communications. I completed my associate’s degree at a local community college, so choosing a school that accepted my transfer credits was a top priority for me. I am a full-time working student with a family so the decision to go back to school was hard and scary. The idea of spending less time with my husband and child along with the financial burden was not taken lightly. The five-week, fully online course lay out has helped me focus on one class at a time while also being able to work and spend time with my family. King University’s financial department is very helpful and wonderful to work with. They have given me advice and walked me through all the steps I needed to make smart financial decisions that we were comfortable with. All online courses are affordable for a middle-class family. I am excited to further my education and am glad that I selected King University as the school to do that with!... Read 432 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $22,029

• SAT range 1000-1160

• Dayton, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  236 reviews

Works Here: Faculty care for all students and take the time to individually get to know you! Beautiful and secluded campus in Dayton, TN.... Read 236 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,901

• SAT range —

• Pulaski, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  163 reviews

Niche User: I'm a senior in high school and I have taken five Dual Enrollment classes with UT Southern and have had a great experience in all of them. The teachers have been very cooperative and friendly. I have also toured the campus and been to events at the campus and the environment there is terrific. I plan to attend UT Southern this fall to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and I'm super excited to begin this journey with them!... Read 163 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $20,305

• SAT range 930-1140

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  54 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Visible Music College has been amazing. As an adult learner, it is sometimes really difficult to find schools that will work with my schedule. Visible Music College has been so helpful in that regard. I am a full time worship pastor and I have a wife and a 3 kids. The faculty and professors have been so gracious with me when it comes to class times and my kids interrupting a zoom class. I can't thank them enough. This is such a hands on school. There's so much opportunity to learn not just in the classroom lecture. They give each student an opportunity to use what they are learning. From music production to concerts and leading worship. They desire for each student to retain and put into practice what they are learning. This has been huge for me. Most schools are happy to leave it to their students to retain the information based on lectures and assignments. Visible Music does everything they can to help each student better understand their craft and succeed.... Read 54 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $25,367

• SAT range 590-1250

• Nashville, TN•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Freshman: I haven’t even started enrollment…. I took a tour and I already welcome into the program and have everything that I would need for a successful career... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,384

• SAT range —