2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Vanderbilt University	96	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	25186	73909	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Vanderbilt University was named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and rail magnate, due to his gift of $1 million. Its campus spans 330 acres in midtown Nashville and the school's motto is "dare to grow." Many students at Vanderbilt major in Social Sciences, General, Computer Science, and Econometrics and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 96 % Acceptance Rate 5.9% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $25,186 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,909
2	Rhodes College	92	50.35	1,260 – 1,450	31037	48898	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Rhodes College Memphis, TN Getting its start in the mid-1830’s with the Montgomery Academy, Rhodes College is primarily composed of undergraduates. “Truth, Loyalty, Service” is the motto of Rhodes. Red and black are the colors for the Lynx sports teams, who compete in events such as Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 50.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $31,037 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,898
3	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	92	41.6	1,210 – 1,400	21648	47782	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN Located in Knoxville, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 42% of applicants and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 88% of students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 41.6% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $21,648 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,782
4	The University of the South	89	56.9	1,280 – 1,400	34815	53456	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee The University of the South Sewanee, TN The University of the South, or Sewanee, sits on 13,000 acres. The grounds are often called “The Domain” or “The Mountain,” and have several Gothic-styled buildings. The university’s magazine, “Sewanee Review,” has been running since 1892, making it the oldest continuous literary magazine in the country. First Year Retention Rate 89 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 56.9% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $34,815 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,456
5	Union University	89	60.41	1,120 – 1,380	28452	45505	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Union University Jackson, TN Union University athletes are known as the Bulldogs. Previously a NCAA Division I school, they’ve won several championships while part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Today, athletes compete in the Gulf South Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 89 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $28,452 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,505
6	Nossi College of Art and Design	88	46.31	--	24044	28099	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Nossi College of Art and Design’s acceptance rate is 46% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 57% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $1,376 on average. The first year retention rate is 88%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % 17.3% Acceptance Rate 46.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $24,044 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
7	Belmont University	87	95.28	1,180 – 1,370	38578	42770	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Belmont University Nashville, TN Located in Nashville, Belmont University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 93% of students at Belmont University currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % 3.6% Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $38,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,770
8	Freed-Hardeman University	86	59.68	1,010 – 1,230	20178	40086	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TN Found in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University accepts 60% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 96% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 86% and 58% of students will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 6.2% Acceptance Rate 59.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $20,178 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,086
9	Lipscomb University	84	67.73	1,150 – 1,380	27695	50454	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Lipscomb University Nashville, TN Lipscomb University is a fairly selective school and during the last admissions cycle, 25% of accepted students enrolled. A NCAA Division I without football member, 265 Bisons compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,454
10	Southern Adventist University	83	65.5	1,020 – 1,250	25753	44818	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN Located in Collegedale, Southern Adventist University’s acceptance rate is 66% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Southern Adventist University currently receive institutional grant aid. 83% of students decide to stay at Southern Adventist......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 65.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $25,753 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,818
11	Lee University	82	70.52	1,040 – 1,270	20416	38082	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Lee University Cleveland, TN Found in Cleveland, Lee University accepts 71% of applicants. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 99% of students at Lee University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $20,416 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,082
12	Milligan University	82	72.29	1,120 – 1,280	21165	43168	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Milligan University Milligan, TN Milligan University is a Christ-centered liberal arts school with a 355-acre campus. 100% of students receive grant aid, about $31,220 each. A NAIA Division II university, students can also receive athletic scholarships. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General. First Year Retention Rate 82 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 72.3% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $21,165 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,168
13	Middle Tennessee State University	80	69.09	1,040 – 1,240	13859	39941	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Located in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 53% of students at Middle Tennessee State University currently receive grant aid from......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 69.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,859 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,941
14	Tennessee Technological University	78	76.13	1,040 – 1,290	15336	43759	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University’s acceptance rate is 76%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 70% of students at Tennessee Technological University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 76.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $15,336 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,759
15	The University of Tennessee Southern	77	86.71	970 – 1,180	14546	36151	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, TN Found in Pulaski, The University of Tennessee Southern’s acceptance rate is 87%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 82% of students attending The University of Tennessee Southern currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 77% and around 23% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $14,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,151
16	The University of Tennessee-Martin	77	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11955	38863	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TN Based in Martin, The University of Tennessee-Martin accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 84% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Martin currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 5.5% Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,955 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,863
17	University of Memphis	77	72.03	970 – 1,180	12756	40921	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee University of Memphis Memphis, TN 475 Tigers at the University of Memphis compete in the NCAA Division I-FBS American Athletic Conference. Until 2020, the school’s mascot was a live tiger, known as TOM. Since then, Pouncer, a costumed mascot, has taken over the job. Kinesiology and Exercise Science is a popular undergraduate major. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 8.5% Acceptance Rate 72.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,921
18	East Tennessee State University	76	86.19	1,010 – 1,240	16286	38704	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Found in Johnson City, East Tennessee State University accepts 86% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 53% of students at East Tennessee State University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,286 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,704
19	Christian Brothers University	75	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	16754	48592	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Christian Brothers University Memphis, TN Located in Memphis, Christian Brothers University accepts 87% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $16,754 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,592
20	Carson-Newman University	74	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	20895	39324	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Based in Jefferson City, Carson-Newman University accepts 90% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Carson-Newman University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,324
21	Fisk University	74	37.42	1,060 – 1,290	18595	33604	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Fisk University Nashville, TN Fisk University’s 40-acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. Opening in 1866, it focused on providing education to freed slaves. The school is highly selective, and many students choose to major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 37.4% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $18,595 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,604
22	Trevecca Nazarene University	74	69.44	980 – 1,190	18035	46065	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN Based in Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University accepts 69% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 69.4% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $18,035 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,065
23	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	73	81.09	1,040 – 1,240	15347	42209	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN Located in Chattanooga, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga accepts 81% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 58% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 81.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $15,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,209
24	Lincoln Memorial University	72	62.59	980 – 1,190	21447	45242	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN Based in Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University’s acceptance rate is 63% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 66% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 72% of students continued studying at Lincoln Memorial University......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 62.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,447 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,242
25	Tennessee Wesleyan University	72	68.85	1,010 – 1,140	15125	45987	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, TN Tennessee Wesleyan University was founded as the Athens Female College in 1857. Although it became coeducational only a few years later, a majority of the student body are still women. Many students major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 12.5% Acceptance Rate 68.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,125 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,987
26	Bryan College-Dayton	71	51.01	1,070 – 1,250	18159	45559	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, TN Found in Dayton, Bryan College-Dayton accepts 51% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 9.2% Acceptance Rate 51.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $18,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,559
27	Maryville College	71	60.92	1,040 – 1,300	21469	39305	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Maryville College Maryville, TN Located in Maryville, Maryville College accepts 61% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Maryville College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 60.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $21,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,305
28	Austin Peay State University	70	96.41	970 – 1,180	9882	38779	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN Found in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 80% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $9,882 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
29	Johnson University	69	65.11	970 – 1,170	22615	35649	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Johnson University Knoxville, TN Found in Knoxville, Johnson University accepted 65% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 96% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 65.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,649
30	Tusculum University	63	72.17	930 – 1,110	20355	39925	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Tusculum University Greeneville, TN Found in Greeneville, Tusculum University’s acceptance rate is 72%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $20,355 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,925
31	Welch College	61	0	--	21157	34190	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Welch College Gallatin, TN First Year Retention Rate 61 % 6.2% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $21,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,190
32	King University	60	99.72	980 – 1,180	22748	52248	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee King University Bristol, TN Based in Bristol, King University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 97% of students at King University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,748 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,248
33	Cumberland University	59	67.33	970 – 1,140	18499	52246	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Cumberland University Lebanon, TN Found in Lebanon, Cumberland University accepts 67% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Cumberland University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 59% and around 30% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $18,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,246
34	Bethel University	54	60.23	850 – 1,090	13112	38990	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Bethel University McKenzie, TN Based in McKenzie, Bethel University’s acceptance rate is 60% and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 95% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 54% and 2% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % 8.5% Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 850 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $13,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,990
35	Baptist Health Sciences University	53	82.02	930 – 1,110	11348	59224	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Baptist Health Sciences University accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 39% of students attending Baptist Health Sciences University currently receive institutional grant......Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $11,348 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,224
36	Le Moyne-Owen College	47	99.23	780 – 950	6542	25992	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Le Moyne-Owen College’s acceptance rate is 99% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 28% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 47% of students continued studying at Le Moyne-Owen College after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 47 % 21.7% Acceptance Rate 99.2% SAT Score 780 – 950 Avg. Net Price $6,542 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,992
37	Lane College	44	48.47	800 – 930	11803	24623	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Based in Jackson, Lane College’s acceptance rate is 48% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 38% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 44 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 48.5% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $11,803 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,623
38	Tennessee State University	33	70.11	890 – 1,070	14586	34160	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Tennessee State University Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Tennessee State University accepted 70% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 28% of students attending Tennessee State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 33%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 33 % 45.0% Acceptance Rate 70.1% SAT Score 890 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $14,586 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,160
39	Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers	31	0	--	33625	28876	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Tennessee Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers Chattanooga, TN First Year Retention Rate 31 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $33,625 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,876