Top Value Colleges in Tennessee
Top Value Tennessee Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Tennessee that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Tennessee colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Tennessee Colleges
Concorde Career College – Memphis
Concorde Career College – Memphis is a career college based in the state of Tennessee that offers career-focused healthcare programs in various fields. It is one of the campuses of Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. that was officially incorporated in 1988. Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, the college offers diploma and associate degree programs in 19 areas of study focused on healthcare. In as fast as 8 months, students can jumpstart their careers in dental hygiene, massage therapy, diagnostic medical sonography, medical assisting, radiologic technology, surgical technology, nursing, pharmacy technician, and many more. Students may choose to attend the daytime or evening classes depending on their schedule. The college offers clinic and community services to the public and the campus houses Dental Hygiene Clinic, Massage Therapy Clinic, and Occupational Therapy Assistant Clinic.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a globally distinguished private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1873, the university aims to provide transformative education, training, and research across all sectors. It also manages a medical center named Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With over 13,000 students, the university offers more than 100 robust undergraduate and graduate programs in many areas like arts and sciences, law, business, education, medicine, nursing, and divinity. It houses 10 schools and divisions namely the College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, Divinity School, School of Engineering, Graduate School, Law School, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Owen Graduate School of Management, and Peabody College of Education and Human Development. As an accredited institutional member of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the university also offers online degree programs through its Peabody College, School of Engineering, and School of Nursing, as well as online continuing education programs through Coursera, Coding Boot Camp, Data Analytics Boot Camp, and Vanderbilt Business Management Certificate. Vanderbilt also operates Vanderbilt University Medical Center which welcomes over 2 million patient visits annually.
Rhodes College
Rhodes College is a private four-year liberal arts and sciences college situated in Memphis, Tennessee. Historically affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, the college is originally called the Masonic University of Tennessee which was then located in Clarksville, Tennessee. It is also ranked as one of the best colleges in the United States. As a member of the Associated Colleges of the South, Rhodes serves more than 2,000 students enrolled in over 50 undergraduate majors and minors housed across 18 academic departments. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which allows the college to grant associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The college also offers unique programs as well as personalized counseling for students who want to pursue graduate studies within the university. Students may explore their academic interests and goals through joining nationally recognized learning support and organizations such as Paul Barret, Jr. Library and Information Services, and Honor Societies.
The University of the South – Sewanee
Commonly referred to as Sewanee, The University of the South – Sewanee is a private liberal arts college based in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the Episcopal Church and one of its academic schools, School of Theology, is an official seminary of the church. With nearly 2,000 students, the university pledges to provide students with real-world and comprehensive instruction and training through guaranteed 8-week internships, study abroad programs, and fellowships. It houses three colleges and schools namely the undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences and the Graduate School of Letters and School of Theology which provide more than 100 majors, minors, pre-professional programs, and special programs in business, medicine, engineering, education, and law. As an accredited institution of the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, the university has over 200 approved study abroad programs spread across seven continents. With this, Sewanee has produced 49 Watson Fellows, 26 Rhodes Scholars, dozens of Fulbright Scholars, and 34 NCAA Postgraduate Scholars.
North Central Institute
North Central Institute (NCI) is a post-secondary educational institution located in Clarksville, Tennessee that specializes in aviation education and training. It was established in 1988 by Dr. John D. McCurdy, a retired member of the United States Army. As an approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School by the Federal Aviation Administration, NCI is also accredited by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to award associate degrees. The institution offers three aviation programs namely Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Aviation Technology. The program typically lasts for 2 years and upon completion, graduates are eligible to earn their Federal Aviation Administration Airframe or Powerplant Certificates. Students may also apply for financial aid through loans like William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, PLUS Loan, and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, and scholarships like the Keith Svadba Memorial Scholarship and John D. McCurdy Founder Scholarship.
Union University
Headquartered in Jackson, Tennessee, Union University is a private, four-year, Christian university with additional campuses in Memphis, Germantown, and Hendersonville. It was founded in 1823 as one of the oldest universities affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union houses 9 schools and colleges namely School of Adult & Professional Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, School of Social Work, School of Theology & Missions, and College of Urban and Theological Studies. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university offers more than 100 programs of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With more than 3,000 students, it is named as one of the top private colleges and universities as well as Christian universities in the United States. Union provides several support services for its students, faculty, and staff including counseling, academic advising and success, disability services, health services, campus recreation, and Vocatio Center of life calling and career.
Nossi College of Art
Nossi College of Art is a private nationally-accredited art college based in Nashville, Tennessee. It started as a fine art school in 1973 and officially became an art school in 1991 through the expertise of Nossi Vatandoost. Nossi is an accredited institution of the Accrediting Commissions of Career Schools and Colleges which allows the college to award associate and bachelor’s degrees. The college offers associate degree programs in Culinary Arts and Digital Photography, as well as bachelor’s degree programs in Photography, Video & Film, Illustration, and Graphic Design Media. The classes can be scheduled in the daytime or nighttime, without Fridays to allow students to fit their education in their busy schedules. Since 2012, the college has hosted Nossi All Access which gives students the opportunity to pursue exclusive, real-world professional and creative opportunities through project-based internships with big names and events like CMA Fest, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, the Dragon Boat Festival, and many more.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis
As part of the 46 institutions under the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Memphis is one of the premier suppliers of workforce development in the United States since 1964. The college, located at Memphis, Tennessee, aims to make education accessible for all students from the tri-state area. Through its accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, TCAT Memphis offers 23 programs in Administrative Office Technology, Assistant Animal Laboratory Technology, Cosmetology, Machine Tool Technology, Practical Nursing, Digital Graphic Design, and Truck Driving. It also operates two additional campuses within Memphis called the Aviation Extension Campus and within Bartlett called Instructional Service Center where other programs are offered. TCAT Memphis is also working with local high schools to provide dual enrollment courses to over 600 high school students. The college offers different scholarships to qualified students such as the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, Federal Pell Grant, TN Promise, TN Reconnect Grant, and Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program.
Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a private, four-year, Catholic university and a Lasallian institution based in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1871 as Christian Brothers College by the De La Salle Brothers, it is the oldest college degree-granting institution in the city. With almost 1,800 students, the university houses 4 schools and 1 college namely Rosa Deal School of Arts, School of Business, Gadomski School of Engineering, School of Sciences, and College of Adult and Professional Studies. Students may choose from more than 70 majors and minors and 20 graduate programs that provide practical education and real-world experiences that can help them jumpstart their careers. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, also offers continuing education programs in general studies, business studies, applied health, and professional psychology that lead to associate and bachelor’s degrees. As one of the best value colleges in the United States, CBU provides 97% of its full-time students some form of financial aid.
The University of Tennessee
As the flagship institution of the state, the University of Tennessee (UT) is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. UT Knoxville, established in 1794, supports the community and nation by making a difference through education, research, and service. UT Knoxville houses 11 academic colleges namely Herbert College of Agriculture Architecture and Design, College of Arts and Sciences, Haslam College of Business, College of Communication and Information, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Tickle College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Nursing, College of Social Work, and College of Veterinary Medicine. The university has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1897 to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. As a partner of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway, students who began their college studies at a community college are eligible to transfer their credits towards a bachelor’s degree program at UT Knoxville. The university is also classified as “Doctoral Universities R1 Category” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Johnson University
Founded as The School of Evangelists in 1893, Johnson University (JU) is a private, Christian university headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was renamed Johnson Bible College in 1990, and eventually became JU in 2011. It operates a second campus in Kissimmee, Florida that was originally called Florida Christian College. The university offers more than 70 degree programs across two campuses that lead to certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees. In total, JU has nine academic schools which include the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Bible and Theology, the School of Business and Public Leadership, the School of Communication and Creative Arts, the Templar School of Education, and the School of Congregational Ministry. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university also offers 28 online certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. JU is also a partner of Tennessee Transfer Pathway which allows students who started their college studies in a community college within the state to transfer eligible credits towards another associate or bachelor’s degree in JU.
Lipscomb University
As one of the top 50 Christian colleges in the United States, Lipscomb University is a private Christian liberal arts university situated in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1891 as the Nashville Bible School by David Lipscomb and James Harding. With nearly 5,000 students, the university offers more than 170 on-campus and online undergraduate majors and minors and 63 graduate programs. Lipscomb houses 15 colleges and schools which include College of Bible & Ministry, College of Computing & Technology, Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering, College of Leadership & Public Service, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and Hazelip School of Technology. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to grant associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees through the above academic colleges and schools. Lipscomb also hosts several Global Programs to allow students to travel, learn, and grow through the month- to semester-long academic opportunities and programs in Vienna, Florence, London, and Costa Rica.
Lincoln College of Technology – Nashville
As one of the campuses of the Lincoln College of Technology (Lincoln Tech), Lincoln Tech Nashville is a trade school located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established in 1919 as the Nashville Auto-Diesel College known for training technicians in the auto, diesel, and collision repair industries. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Lincoln Tech Nashville is a post-secondary educational institution that offers 5 main programs namely Automotive Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Diesel and Truck Technology, Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology, and Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology. The programs and training lead to a diploma and associate degrees which usually lasts for one to two years. The campus features different facilities for its programs namely live gas engines for hands-on automotive training, dozens of CAT, Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines, Hunter Alignment Equipment, 4 on-site collision shops, and individual welding booths for metal fabrication. Lincoln Tech Nashville is also located near the Legendary Grand Ole Opry, The State Capitol and Capitol Mall State Park, Two Rivers Park, and The Parthenon Art Gallery.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – McMinnville
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – McMinnville is a member of the 46 institutions under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The campus, located in McMinnville, Tennessee, was approved in 1964 with 6 full-time programs available for students. The college, accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, offers 9 programs namely Automotive Technology, Computer Information Technology, Cosmetology, Hybrid Practical Nursing, Industrial Electricity, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, Practical Nursing, and Welding. The programs can be taken either full-time or part-time which can be typically completed within one to two years. The college also offers dual enrollment classes for high school students where they can earn college credits for certificate and diploma programs. In addition, TCAT campuses offer custom training for business and industrial communities within their states.
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a selective four-year private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. Founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute offering only 11 programs, the university has a branch campus in Addison, Texas which serves as the hub for ACU’s online programs. ACU offers more than 160 areas of study and over 100 on-campus and online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that focus on the arts and sciences, engineering, nursing, business management, psychology, and many more. The university houses 7 colleges and schools namely College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Biblical Studies, College of Education and Human Services, Honors College, School of Nursing, and College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ACU also serves more than 5,000 on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate students from over 50 countries. The university is constantly recognized as one of the best values and most innovative regional universities in the United States.
Belmont University
Belmont University is a private, four-year, Christian university based in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established as Belmont College for Young Women in 1890 by school teachers Ida Hood and Susan Heron to create a school that would empower women through intellectual, cultural, and social learning. Belmont enrolls more than 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students from over 28 countries. Known as one of the most innovative universities in the United States, it offers more than 130 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels across 14 schools and colleges. Some of these programs are O’More College of Architecture & Design, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Watkins College of Art, College of Pharmacy, Jack C. Massey College of Business, and College of Theology and Christian Ministry. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, also offers adult degree programs in accounting, architecture, fashion & design, general business, music business, social work, and many more.
Lincoln Memorial University
Established in 1897 as a living memorial to former President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a private liberal arts university headquartered in Harrogate, Tennessee. The university owns several off-campus sites in Alcoa, Chattanooga, Kingsport, and Knoxville, Tennessee, in Tampa, Florida, in Ewing, Virginia, and in Corbin and Middlesboro, Kentucky. Housed in a 1,000-acre wooded campus that borders on the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, LMU serves nearly 5,000 students enrolled in more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university has 10 schools and colleges namely School of Medical Sciences, Carter and Moyers School of Education, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Mathematics and Sciences, School of Business, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Caylor School of Nursing, and Duncan School of Law. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, LMU also offers 11 online degree programs that can be taken 100% online or hybrid. The university also welcomes international students, as well as their students studying abroad through its programs like The English Language Institute, The Kanto Program, and The World School Program.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson
Formerly known as the Jackson State Area Vocational-Technical School, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Jackson is one of the 27 technical colleges operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The campus also has other locations in Lexington Extension Campus, McWherter Instructional Service Center, Henderson/Chester County Center, and Humboldt Higher Education Center. With nearly 20 programs, the college is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education to award associate degrees. Some of the programs are Practical Nursing, Health Information Management, Computer-Aided Design Technology, Computer Information Technology, Administrative Office Technology, Tool and Die Machining Technology, and Surgical Technology. The full-time programs and training offered by TCAT Jackson are designed to meet the industry demands for highly skilled, professional workers. Students may also join activities and organizations within and beyond the college such as SkillsUSA Tennessee State Association and National Technical Honor Society.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Morristown
As part of one of the largest systems of public higher education in the United States, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Morristown is one of the 27 technical colleges under the Tennessee Board of Regents System. It is headquartered in Morristown, Tennessee, with locations in Surgoinsville, Greeneville, Tazewell, and Newport. The college, accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, offers 16 full-time technical programs on its main campus which include Administrative Office Technology, Building Construction Technology, Computer-Aided Design Technology, Digital Graphic Design, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology, and Practical Nursing. The campus also has extension campuses in Surgoinsville, in Greeneville namely Greene Technology Center, and in Morristown namely Aviation Maintenance Technology Facility. The Practical Nursing Program is also offered in some of the campus’ locations namely Ben W. Hooper Career and Technical Education Center, Laughlin Memorial Hospital, and Instructional Service Center in Tazewell. In addition, the campus also offers specialized business training courses for local businesses and industries within the area.
King University
Formerly known as King College, King University is a private Presbyterian-affiliated Christian university located in Bristol, Tennessee. It officially began operating in 1867 as a classical school that elevates the standard of classical and scientific education combined with strict discipline and thorough religious training. It is also recognized as the best regional university in the South. Students may choose from more than 100 majors, minors, concentrations, pre-professional, and graduate degree programs in various disciplines. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 6 schools and colleges namely College of Arts and Sciences, Peeke School of Christian Mission, School of Business, Economics, and Technology, School of Education, School of Nursing, and School of Health and Professional Sciences. Aside from 16 online degree programs offered by King, it also allows students to choose their preferred schedule, either full-time day classes or part-time day/evening classes. High school students may also enroll in the Dual Enrollment program which provides them with the opportunity to take college courses, either on-campus or online, during the completion of their high school diploma.
Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Health Sciences University, formerly known as Baptist College of Health Sciences, is a private college based in Memphis, Tennessee that specializes in undergraduate health sciences education. Established in 1912, the university is in partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care to provide extended learning opportunities in real-world health care settings throughout the state. With three academic divisions namely Nursing, General Education & Health Studies, and Allied Health, the university offers more than 15 academic programs which include Neurodiagnostic Technology, Health Administration, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Imaging Sciences, Nursing, and Surgical Technology. Baptist is an accredited institution of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges which allows the university to grant associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the said areas of study. The university also offers 3 online degree programs, as well as accelerated tracks and blended learning format to cater to more students with different schedules. The university prioritizes student success and well-being through different student services in the university such as Career Services, Counseling, Disability Services, Fitness Center, Health Services, and Veteran Services.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Murfreesboro is one of the colleges operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents System that offers technology programs and training since 1976. The college is headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with an additional partner facility with Nissan located in Smyrna. TCAT Murfreesboro offers 17 programs on both its main campus and partner facility. Some of its programs are Automotive Technology, Building and Electrical Technology, Computer-Aided Design Technology, Digital Graphic Design, Industrial Electrical Maintenance / Mechatronics, and Pharmacy Technician. The classes can be taken during the day or night, while the Computer-Aided Design Technology can be completed 100% online. As an accredited institution by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, TCAT Murfreesboro also provides part-time evening courses for individuals who want to learn medical coding, allied health services, Microsoft, mechanical services, and leadership.
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