2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee

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The selectivity index is a rating system that looks at overall acceptance rate divided by the percentage of accepted students who enroll (yield rate). It's a measurement of both the selectivity and desirability of the college or university.

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Rank	Institution	Selectivity Index	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Vanderbilt University	10.4488	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	26689	73909	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 10.4 15.3% 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	Visible Music College	2.7716	28.68	--	25726	32345	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee Visible Music College Memphis, TN Selectivity Index 2.8 22.9% Acceptance Rate 28.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,726 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,345
3	South College	1.7876	54.39	--	16584	37570	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.8 Acceptance Rate 54.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,584 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,570
4	Nossi College of Art and Design	1.0901	43.27	--	23745	28099	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.1 26.4% Acceptance Rate 43.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
5	Johnson University	0.9639	53.77	1,010 – 1,180	20713	35649	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.0 10.1% 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
6	Tusculum University	0.7625	60.42	930 – 1,140	22961	39925	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.8 432.1% 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
7	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	0.657	41.6	1,210 – 1,390	20885	47782	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.7 4.9% 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
8	Le Moyne-Owen College	0.6444	97.17	800 – 930	8362	25992	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 152.7% 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
9	Southern Adventist University	0.619	66.61	980 – 1,280	25374	44818	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 7.7% 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
10	Lane College	0.5685	54.39	800 – 930	13384	24623	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Selectivity Index 0.6 374.1% 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
11	Baptist Health Sciences University	0.5444	67.76	1,010 – 1,210	15395	59224	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Selectivity Index 0.5 28.8% 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
12	Cumberland University	0.533	67	1,040 – 1,210	17669	52246	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.5 19.8% 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
13	Lee University	0.496	70.52	1,040 – 1,270	20222	38082	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.5 1.6% 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
14	Tennessee Wesleyan University	0.4817	59.41	970 – 1,180	16414	45987	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.5 12.7% 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
15	Union University	0.4727	60.16	1,120 – 1,380	27191	45505	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.5 7.9% 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
16	Middle Tennessee State University	0.4497	68	1,010 – 1,240	12700	39941	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 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
17	The University of Tennessee Southern	0.4388	82.71	1,030 – 1,160	15642	36151	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, TN Selectivity Index 0.4 17.0% 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
18	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	0.4372	77.02	1,040 – 1,210	13801	42209	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 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
19	Milligan University	0.4141	70.27	1,080 – 1,340	21463	43168	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.4 11.1% 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
20	Trevecca Nazarene University	0.3862	69.44	980 – 1,190	16222	46065	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 35.5% 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
21	Lipscomb University	0.3664	67.74	1,090 – 1,350	27386	50454	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 2.8% 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
22	Tennessee Technological University	0.3271	83.16	1,040 – 1,280	15138	43759	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 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
23	The University of the South	0.3086	56.9	1,230 – 1,400	33616	53456	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 9.0% 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
24	Freed-Hardeman University	0.3045	90.61	1,080 – 1,280	18267	40086	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 18.4% 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
25	East Tennessee State University	0.2792	87.06	1,010 – 1,240	16033	38704	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 2.9% 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
26	Rhodes College	0.2609	49.68	1,290 – 1,430	30590	48898	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 19.5% 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
27	Austin Peay State University	0.2599	96.38	--	14679	38779	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 8.0% Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
28	The University of Tennessee-Martin	0.2563	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11151	38863	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 8.7% 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
29	University of Memphis	0.2467	72.03	970 – 1,180	13656	40921	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.2 32.6% 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
30	Lincoln Memorial University	0.2442	62.6	980 – 1,190	19401	45242	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 1.8% 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
31	Maryville College	0.2159	60.92	1,040 – 1,300	20990	39305	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 17.2% 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
32	King University	0.1998	99.72	930 – 1,140	23282	52248	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 56.7% 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
33	Tennessee State University	0.1932	70.18	890 – 1,070	9231	34160	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 23.0% 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
34	Belmont University	0.1849	95.28	1,180 – 1,370	37558	42770	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 7.6% 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
35	Carson-Newman University	0.1839	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	19755	39324	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Selectivity Index 0.2 28.8% 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
36	Christian Brothers University	0.1548	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	17068	48592	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 33.0% 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
37	Bethel University	0.1181	97.17	1,040 – 1,310	20606	38990	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 39.3% 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
38	Fisk University	0.1173	57.91	990 – 1,260	19836	33604	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.1 43.6% 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
39	Bryan College-Dayton	0.062	97.17	980 – 1,190	17105	45559	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 82.7% 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
40	Welch College	0.0257	57.91	930 – 1,210	19214	34190	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.0 97.2% 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