2027 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	25186	73909	#1 2027 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 Social Sciences, General, Computer Science, Management Sciences and......Read more Undergraduates 7,221 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	1739	51.51	1,320 – 1,460	31037	48898	#2 2027 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 1,739 Acceptance Rate 51.5% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $31,037 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,898
3	The University of the South	1590	56.42	1,250 – 1,400	34815	53456	#3 2027 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 1,590 Acceptance Rate 56.4% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $34,815 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,456
4	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	32041	43.58	1,250 – 1,400	21648	47782	#4 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN Located in Knoxville, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 44% of applicants and requires $75 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 Undergraduates 32,041 Acceptance Rate 43.6% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $21,648 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,782
5	Belmont University	7174	93.67	1,180 – 1,370	38578	42770	#5 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Belmont University Nashville, TN Located in Nashville, Belmont University accepted 94% 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 Undergraduates 7,174 Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $38,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,770
6	Union University	1856	58.57	1,120 – 1,380	28452	45505	#6 2027 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 1,856 Acceptance Rate 58.6% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $28,452 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,505
7	Lipscomb University	3327	67.74	1,090 – 1,350	27695	50454	#7 2027 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, 262 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 $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,454
8	Freed-Hardeman University	1873	59.68	1,010 – 1,230	20178	40086	#8 2027 Best Colleges 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 64% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 1,873 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	Milligan University	867	72.29	1,120 – 1,280	21165	43168	#9 2027 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 $31,220 each. A NAIA Division II university, students can also receive athletic scholarships. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General. Undergraduates 867 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
10	Nossi College of Art and Design	247	46.31	--	24044	28099	#10 2027 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 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 Undergraduates 247 Acceptance Rate 46.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $24,044 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
11	Lee University	3425	71.38	1,040 – 1,270	20416	38082	#11 2027 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 99% of students at Lee University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 3,425 Acceptance Rate 71.4% 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	Tennessee Technological University	9187	76.13	1,040 – 1,290	15336	43759	#12 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,187 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
13	Bryan College-Dayton	1565	100	980 – 1,190	18159	45559	#13 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, TN Found in Dayton, Bryan College-Dayton accepts 100% 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 Undergraduates 1,565 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $18,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,559
14	Middle Tennessee State University	18042	69.09	1,040 – 1,240	13859	39941	#14 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 18,042 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
15	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	10396	71.62	1,040 – 1,210	15347	42209	#15 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN Located in Chattanooga, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga accepts 72% 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 Undergraduates 10,396 Acceptance Rate 71.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,209
16	Southern Adventist University	2946	71.63	1,010 – 1,280	25753	44818	#16 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN Southern Adventist University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1 and a first year retention rate of 84%. Many undergraduates study Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....Read more Undergraduates 2,946 Acceptance Rate 71.6% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,753 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,818
17	East Tennessee State University	10829	86.19	1,010 – 1,240	16286	38704	#17 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 10,829 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
18	University of Memphis	15538	78.78	970 – 1,190	12756	40921	#18 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee University of Memphis Memphis, TN 468 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. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular undergraduate major. Undergraduates 15,538 Acceptance Rate 78.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $12,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,921
19	Christian Brothers University	1155	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	16754	48592	#19 2027 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 $16,754 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,592
20	The University of Tennessee-Martin	7393	89.68	1,040 – 1,210	11955	38863	#20 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TN Based in Martin, The University of Tennessee-Martin accepted 90% 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 Undergraduates 7,393 Acceptance Rate 89.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,955 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,863
21	Maryville College	1144	68.85	1,040 – 1,240	21469	39305	#21 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Maryville College Maryville, TN Located in Maryville, Maryville College accepts 69% 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 74%....Read more Undergraduates 1,144 Acceptance Rate 68.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,305
22	Carson-Newman University	1912	63.81	970 – 1,180	20895	39324	#22 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Based in Jefferson City, Carson-Newman University accepts 64% 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 72%....Read more Undergraduates 1,912 Acceptance Rate 63.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $20,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,324
23	Welch College	350	100	930 – 1,210	21157	34190	#23 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Welch College Gallatin, TN Based in Gallatin, Welch College’s acceptance rate is 100% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 94% of students attending Welch College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 350 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,190
24	Trevecca Nazarene University	1961	75.12	980 – 1,220	18035	46065	#24 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN Based in Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University accepts 75% 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 1,961 Acceptance Rate 75.1% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,035 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,065
25	Lincoln Memorial University	1731	62.59	980 – 1,190	21447	45242	#25 2027 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 66% 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 1,731 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
26	Tennessee Wesleyan University	918	68.85	1,010 – 1,140	15125	45987	#26 2027 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 918 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
27	Johnson University	773	59.67	990 – 1,200	22615	35649	#27 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Johnson University Knoxville, TN Found in Knoxville, Johnson University accepted 60% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 96% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 773 Acceptance Rate 59.7% SAT Score 990 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $22,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,649
28	King University	998	99.24	1,010 – 1,140	22748	52248	#28 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee King University Bristol, TN Based in Bristol, King University accepted 99% 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 Undergraduates 998 Acceptance Rate 99.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,748 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,248
29	Austin Peay State University	9593	96.91	970 – 1,180	9882	38779	#29 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN Found in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University accepted 97% 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 Undergraduates 9,593 Acceptance Rate 96.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $9,882 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
30	The University of Tennessee Southern	1012	86.71	970 – 1,180	14546	36151	#30 2027 Best Colleges 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 26% of students......Read more Undergraduates 1,012 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
31	Fisk University	1035	37.42	1,060 – 1,290	18595	33604	#31 2027 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 highly selective, and many students choose to major in Computer and Information Sciences, General. Undergraduates 1,035 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
32	Cumberland University	2745	67.33	970 – 1,140	18499	52246	#32 2027 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 59% and around 28% of students......Read more Undergraduates 2,745 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
33	Baptist Health Sciences University	782	82.02	930 – 1,110	11348	59224	#33 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 782 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
34	Tennessee State University	4221	84.63	890 – 1,090	14586	34160	#34 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tennessee State University Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Tennessee State University accepted 85% 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 59%....Read more Undergraduates 4,221 Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $14,586 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,160
35	Tusculum University	940	72.17	930 – 1,110	20355	39925	#35 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 940 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
36	Bethel University	2674	60.23	850 – 1,090	13112	38990	#36 2027 Best Colleges 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 13% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 2,674 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
37	Le Moyne-Owen College	659	99.23	780 – 950	6542	25992	#37 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 659 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
38	Lane College	738	100	800 – 930	11803	24623	#38 2027 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Based in Jackson, Lane College’s acceptance rate is 100% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 38% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 738 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $11,803 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,623