2024 Best Colleges 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

• Jackson, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  680 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 680 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $27,660

• SAT range 1120-1330

• 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

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,936 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 3,936 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,512

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Sewanee, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  449 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 449 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $29,626

• SAT range 1200-1390

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  669 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 669 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $30,525

• SAT range 1330-1490

• Milligan, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  325 reviews

Sophomore: My first year of Milligan University was more than I could have ever hoped for. Having lived in one place for my entire life, I was scared to move to a completely new place where I knew no one. The students and staff at Milligan made me feel instantly welcome and included. The staff is some of the best that I've encountered. They care for each and every student and strive to make everyone the best versions of themselves. The courses are enriching and allow me to expand my knowledge on the world around me. The RA's are some of the sweetest people I've met, and they always make sure that their residents are comfortable. Not to mention the beautiful campus in the middle of a gorgeous mountain range. I love my view to class every morning! I can feel the spirit moving on the campus. We are truly a family, there for each other in the good times and bad! Chapel has been such a blessing with the incredible speakers and students on the worship team. I am grateful for the community at Milligan!... Read 325 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $20,448

• SAT range 1080-1180

• Cookeville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,138 reviews

Junior: My over all experience with Tennessee Tech is really good because I have a lot of friends here and academics are pretty good, and the programs are really good. What they need to improve on is all of the construction we have at the school and the dorm situations because they have accepted so many freshmen that there is barely enough space for the upperclassman and if they are going to accept so many freshmen at least build more housing first. Also, I think the food choices here could have more options other than Chick fil A, Witch Witch, or Tu' Taco and the cafeteria is not bad but not the best. What I also like about Tennessee Tech is that they accept you mostly based on your grades in high school and not just your ACT or SAT scores. But overall, I love this school!... Read 1,138 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,481

• SAT range 1030-1270

• 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

• Memphis, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  2,224 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 2,224 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $14,251

• SAT range 990-1200

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  305 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Johnson back in 2021. For the past two years (sophomore and junior), my time here has been transformative. Initially, it was hard transitioning from a bigger school to the culture of a small school. Now, I have grown to love it here! I love the professors because they are passionate, fun, and understanding. The faculty here genuinely care about the student body. Johnson offers that rare opportunity to be friends with your professors and faculty here which brings a deeper feeling of connection. Some things I would change are the level of communication between students and faculty, curfew, and dining hours. Many times students don't know what's going on and are left blindsided. Curfew is not necessary, especially for upperclassmen. Lastly, dining hours should be extended for at least another hour to accommodate athletes and other schedules.... Read 305 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $19,985

• SAT range 980-1190

• Murfreesboro, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,481 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 3,481 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $12,617

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Harrogate, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  360 reviews

Junior: Lincoln Memorial University is a wonderful place to attend college. The campus is absolutely beautiful. Not to mention, there is an abundant amount of rich history right in this area. It has become a place to call home with people to call family. There is a variety of majors one can choose from. There are also amazing opportunities such as studying abroad. The campus is big on student involvement and does a fantastic job of putting together activities and community service events. Because the university is located in a small town, there is not much to do. Therefore, Lincoln Memorial University is super engaged in student life to give students a fun college experience. Another thing I really like about Lincoln Memorial University is that they include the community in events too. For example, the university will hold concerts as a fun, creative, and affordable way for funding. Lincoln Memorial University also has a wide range of sports and curriculars for its students. Go Splitters!... Read 360 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $23,324

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Johnson City, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,451 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 1,451 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $14,482

• SAT range 940-1170

• Cleveland, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,568 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 1,568 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $19,159

• SAT range 1000-1230

• 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

• Bristol, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  435 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 435 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $22,029

• SAT range 1000-1160

• Chattanooga, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,604 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 1,604 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $13,552

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Athens, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  202 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student with an Associates in Fine Arts ; my transfer was extremely effortless as well as campus housing . Wesleyan University is very welcoming you feel right at home. They are still working on my 504 accommodations that process seems slow even though that paperwork was delivered 5mths ago. Disability services needs an update, probably more people in that department to insure a good paper trail to students information especially with personal information. Hopefully my issue will be resolved before classes start 08/14.... Read 202 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $15,072

• SAT range 930-1180

• 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 3.96 out of 5  440 reviews

Junior: The atmosphere and the people are good. The school does a good job of developing leadership through many incentives for people to become student leaders and use those skills in their futures. As for classes, some professors are very good at explaining, and some aren't, and unfortunately, it seems that the majority falls in the latter category. It's not as intense as I make it sound, but the difference is noticeable especially when you're not good at the subject being explained and you depend a lot on the clarity of the lesson given by the professor. I'd surely like to see a change in some aspects concerning breaks (thanksgiving break, fall break, spring break), especially when discussing open hours. During breaks, the dormitories and apartments are closed to people of the other sex, and that makes it next to impossible to organize any type of get-together for those who remain on campus during a break. Buildings are closed and the experience is the complete contrary of a break.... Read 440 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,795

• SAT range 1040-1290

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  275 reviews

Sophomore: South College is a beautiful and organized campus. Any of the staff that I have come in contact with are understanding, and extremely helpful. I have taken online classes and in person, and I can say that the professors are caring, and want their students to succeed. When considering a college during high school, I was unsure if I wanted to experience the large university scene, as I would just be a body in the room, and the professors would not know my face or name. When I toured South College for the first time it felt comfortable and refreshing, as the classrooms weren't huge and the campus was well organized. I have enjoyed getting to know my professors, and feeling like they actually care. I have loved my experience at South College!... Read 275 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,271

• SAT range —

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,785 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 1,785 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $35,268

• SAT range 1150-1340

• 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

• Clarksville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,484 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 1,484 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,529

• SAT range 960-1140