2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Tennessee

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Many students seek a college or university with a low student-to-faculty ratio as it means that students, on average, get more face-to-face time with professors and instructors. This also means that it's easier to get help outside of class and get in to faculty office hours.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Student-Faculty Ratio	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Baptist Health Sciences University	733	8	67.76	1,010 – 1,210	15395	59224	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Tennessee Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Undergraduates 733 Student-Faculty Ratio 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
2	Nossi College of Art and Design	278	8	43.27	--	23745	28099	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 8 Acceptance Rate 43.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
3	The University of the South	1644	8	56.9	1,230 – 1,400	33616	53456	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 8 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	Vanderbilt University	7221	8	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	26689	73909	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 8 14.3% 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
5	Welch College	358	8	57.91	930 – 1,210	19214	34190	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 8 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
6	Christian Brothers University	1155	9	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	17068	48592	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 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
7	Johnson University	708	9	53.77	1,010 – 1,180	20713	35649	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 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
8	Milligan University	834	9	70.27	1,080 – 1,340	21463	43168	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 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
9	Rhodes College	1793	9	49.68	1,290 – 1,430	30590	48898	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 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
10	Union University	1934	9	60.16	1,120 – 1,380	27191	45505	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 12.5% 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
11	King University	966	10	99.72	930 – 1,140	23282	52248	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 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
12	Lincoln Memorial University	1668	10	62.6	980 – 1,190	19401	45242	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 11.1% 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
13	Tennessee Wesleyan University	857	10	59.41	970 – 1,180	16414	45987	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 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
14	Bethel University	2719	11	97.17	1,040 – 1,310	20606	38990	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 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
15	Tennessee State University	5057	11	70.18	890 – 1,070	9231	34160	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 26.7% 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
16	Belmont University	7167	12	95.28	1,180 – 1,370	37558	42770	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
17	Carson-Newman University	1606	12	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	19755	39324	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Undergraduates 1,606 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
18	Freed-Hardeman University	1878	12	90.61	1,080 – 1,280	18267	40086	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
19	Maryville College	1136	12	60.92	1,040 – 1,300	20990	39305	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 7.7% 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
20	Lee University	3271	13	70.52	1,040 – 1,270	20222	38082	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 8.3% 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
21	Lipscomb University	3327	13	67.74	1,090 – 1,350	27386	50454	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 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	Southern Adventist University	2827	13	66.61	980 – 1,280	25374	44818	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 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
23	Austin Peay State University	8926	14	96.38	--	14679	38779	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 14 6.7% Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
24	Le Moyne-Owen College	646	14	97.17	800 – 930	8362	25992	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 14 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
25	East Tennessee State University	10633	15	87.06	1,010 – 1,240	16033	38704	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 15 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	Tusculum University	1022	15	60.42	930 – 1,140	22961	39925	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 15 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
27	South College	6406	16	54.39	--	16584	37570	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 16 Acceptance Rate 54.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,584 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,570
28	Tennessee Technological University	8838	16	83.16	1,040 – 1,280	15138	43759	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 16 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
29	The University of Tennessee-Martin	6817	16	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11151	38863	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 16 6.7% 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
30	University of Memphis	15770	16	72.03	970 – 1,180	13656	40921	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 16 5.9% 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
31	Middle Tennessee State University	17668	17	68	1,010 – 1,240	12700	39941	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 17 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
32	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	9982	17	77.02	1,040 – 1,210	13801	42209	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 17 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
33	Bryan College-Dayton	1398	18	97.17	980 – 1,190	17105	45559	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 18 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
34	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	30564	18	41.6	1,210 – 1,390	20885	47782	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 18 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
35	Lane College	822	19	54.39	800 – 930	13384	24623	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Undergraduates 822 Student-Faculty Ratio 19 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
36	Trevecca Nazarene University	1903	20	69.44	980 – 1,190	16222	46065	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 20 9.1% 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