2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Tennessee

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Vanderbilt University	7221	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	26689	73909	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Social Sciences, General, and......Read more Undergraduates 7,221 Acceptance Rate 5.9% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $26,689 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,909
2	Rhodes College	1793	49.68	1,290 – 1,430	30590	48898	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,793 Acceptance Rate 49.7% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $30,590 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,898
3	The University of the South	1644	56.9	1,230 – 1,400	33616	53456	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,644 Acceptance Rate 56.9% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $33,616 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,456
4	Milligan University	834	70.27	1,080 – 1,340	21463	43168	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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 $28,521 each. A NAIA Division II university, students can also receive athletic scholarships. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General. Undergraduates 834 Acceptance Rate 70.3% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $21,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,168
5	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	30564	41.6	1,210 – 1,390	20885	47782	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN Located in Knoxville, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 42% of applicants and requires $75 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 78% of students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 30,564 Acceptance Rate 41.6% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $20,885 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,782
6	Lipscomb University	3327	67.74	1,090 – 1,350	27386	50454	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,327 Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,386 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,454
7	Union University	1934	60.16	1,120 – 1,380	27191	45505	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,934 Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $27,191 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,505
8	Belmont University	7167	95.28	1,180 – 1,370	37558	42770	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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 91% of students at Belmont University currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 7,167 Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $37,558 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,770
9	Freed-Hardeman University	1878	90.61	1,080 – 1,280	18267	40086	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TN Found in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University accepts 91% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 84% and 58% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 1,878 Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,086
10	Johnson University	708	53.77	1,010 – 1,180	20713	35649	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Johnson University Knoxville, TN Found in Knoxville, Johnson University accepted 54% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 89% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 708 Acceptance Rate 53.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $20,713 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,649
11	Lee University	3271	70.52	1,040 – 1,270	20222	38082	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 89% of students at Lee University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 3,271 Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $20,222 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,082
12	Bryan College-Dayton	1398	97.17	980 – 1,190	17105	45559	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, TN Found in Dayton, Bryan College-Dayton accepts 97% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,398 Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $17,105 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,559
13	Christian Brothers University	1155	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	17068	48592	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,155 Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $17,068 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,592
14	Carson-Newman University	1606	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	19755	39324	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Undergraduates 1,606 Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,755 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,324
15	Tennessee Technological University	8838	83.16	1,040 – 1,280	15138	43759	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University’s acceptance rate is 83%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 70% of students at Tennessee Technological University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,838 Acceptance Rate 83.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,138 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,759
16	Nossi College of Art and Design	278	43.27	--	23745	28099	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Nossi College of Art and Design’s acceptance rate is 43% and charges $150 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 63% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $591 on average. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more Undergraduates 278 Acceptance Rate 43.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
17	Maryville College	1136	60.92	1,040 – 1,300	20990	39305	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 99% of students at Maryville College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more Undergraduates 1,136 Acceptance Rate 60.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $20,990 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,305
18	Southern Adventist University	2827	66.61	980 – 1,280	25374	44818	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN Located in Collegedale, Southern Adventist University’s acceptance rate is 67% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Southern Adventist University currently receive institutional grant aid. 79% of students decide to stay at Southern Adventist......Read more Undergraduates 2,827 Acceptance Rate 66.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,374 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,818
19	Middle Tennessee State University	17668	68	1,010 – 1,240	12700	39941	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Located in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University accepted 68% 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 50% of students at Middle Tennessee State University currently receive grant aid from......Read more Undergraduates 17,668 Acceptance Rate 68.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $12,700 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,941
20	Lincoln Memorial University	1668	62.6	980 – 1,190	19401	45242	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 69% of students continued studying at Lincoln Memorial University......Read more Undergraduates 1,668 Acceptance Rate 62.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $19,401 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,242
21	Fisk University	950	57.91	990 – 1,260	19836	33604	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 fairly selective, and many students choose to major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 950 Acceptance Rate 57.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $19,836 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,604
22	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	9982	77.02	1,040 – 1,210	13801	42209	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN Located in Chattanooga, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga accepts 77% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 61% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 9,982 Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $13,801 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,209
23	Trevecca Nazarene University	1903	69.44	980 – 1,190	16222	46065	#23 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,903 Acceptance Rate 69.4% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $16,222 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,065
24	East Tennessee State University	10633	87.06	1,010 – 1,240	16033	38704	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Found in Johnson City, East Tennessee State University accepts 87% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 50% of students at East Tennessee State University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 72%....Read more Undergraduates 10,633 Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,033 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,704
25	The University of Tennessee-Martin	6817	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11151	38863	#25 2026 Best Colleges 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 unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 78% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Martin currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,817 Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,151 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,863
26	University of Memphis	15770	72.03	970 – 1,180	13656	40921	#26 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 15,770 Acceptance Rate 72.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,656 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,921
27	Baptist Health Sciences University	733	67.76	1,010 – 1,210	15395	59224	#27 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Undergraduates 733 Acceptance Rate 67.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,395 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,224
28	Tennessee Wesleyan University	857	59.41	970 – 1,180	16414	45987	#28 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 857 Acceptance Rate 59.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,414 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,987
29	Cumberland University	2652	67	1,040 – 1,210	17669	52246	#29 2026 Best Colleges 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 62% and around 41% of students......Read more Undergraduates 2,652 Acceptance Rate 67.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,669 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,246
30	King University	966	99.72	930 – 1,140	23282	52248	#30 2026 Best Colleges 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 78% of students at King University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 966 Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $23,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,248
31	Austin Peay State University	8926	96.38	--	14679	38779	#31 2026 Best Colleges 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 54% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,926 Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
32	The University of Tennessee Southern	946	82.71	1,030 – 1,160	15642	36151	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, TN Undergraduates 946 Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $15,642 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,151
33	South College	6406	54.39	--	16584	37570	#33 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee South College Knoxville, TN Based in Knoxville, South College accepted 54% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 58% of students attending South College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 6,406 Acceptance Rate 54.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,584 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,570
34	Welch College	358	57.91	930 – 1,210	19214	34190	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Welch College Gallatin, TN Based in Gallatin, Welch College’s acceptance rate is 58% and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 96% of students attending Welch College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 358 Acceptance Rate 57.9% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,214 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,190
35	Bethel University	2719	97.17	1,040 – 1,310	20606	38990	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Bethel University McKenzie, TN Based in McKenzie, Bethel University’s acceptance rate is 97% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 59% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 82% and 26% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 2,719 Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $20,606 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,990
36	Tennessee State University	5057	70.18	890 – 1,070	9231	34160	#36 2026 Best Colleges 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 64% of students attending Tennessee State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 33%....Read more Undergraduates 5,057 Acceptance Rate 70.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $9,231 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,160
37	Tusculum University	1022	60.42	930 – 1,140	22961	39925	#37 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tusculum University Greeneville, TN Found in Greeneville, Tusculum University’s acceptance rate is 60%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,022 Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,961 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,925
38	Lane College	822	54.39	800 – 930	13384	24623	#38 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Undergraduates 822 Acceptance Rate 54.4% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $13,384 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,623
39	Le Moyne-Owen College	646	97.17	800 – 930	8362	25992	#39 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Le Moyne-Owen College’s acceptance rate is 97% and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 44% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 48% of students continued studying at Le Moyne-Owen College after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 646 Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $8,362 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,992
40	Visible Music College	168	28.68	--	25726	32345	#40 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Visible Music College Memphis, TN Undergraduates 168 Acceptance Rate 28.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,726 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,345