Best Colleges in Tennessee
Also known as “The Volunteer State,” Tennessee is in the southern region of the US and experiences hot, humid summers with mild winters. Colleges in Tennessee are many and varied, with the Tennessee Board of Regents spearheading a large collection of 2-year institutions and Colleges of Applied Technology amidst the private liberal arts colleges and public universities. Tusculum University is the oldest in the state while Vanderbilt University has the most selective admissions process. Agriculture, mostly the production of soybeans, poultry, and cattle, is the primary industry, with manufacturing and tourism following closely. Most visitors include the Grand Ole Opry, the Beale Street Historic District, and Cades Cove as must-see attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Tennessee Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873 as a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. Academically, the university focuses on an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to take courses from any of the 143 areas of study. The...
Vanderbilt is often confused with one of them Ivy League schools up in Connecticut or wherever, but with good reason. If you choose to attend the prestigious Vanderbilt University then you will receive a very fine education from professors who want...
” – K from Atlanta, GA
Rhodes is a residential college committed to excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Our highest priorities are intellectual engagement, service to others, and honor among ourselves. We live this life on one of the country’s most beautiful...
Rhodes College is a four year liberal arts college in Memphis Tennessee that challenges students both academically and morally. The college offers many sought after courses, such as Biology and International Studies, and provides countless...
” – Richard from Frisco, TX
Sewanee, The University of the South, is a 4-year liberal arts college in south central Tennessee. Operated by the dioceses of the Episcopal Church, Sewanee offers bachelor’s degrees in 36 academic majors. In addition, Swanee holds a partnership with...
The classes here challenge me greatly. In high school I got A's with little to no studying, especially my freshman and sophomore years. This is only my first semester here and I only have one A the last time I checked (everything else is a B...
” – Alisha from Knoxville, TN
Founded in 1823, Union University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts institution in west Tennessee and the oldest university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union confers undergraduate degrees in over 100 Christ-centered...
The academics are wonderful. Not only do you have professors who are top notch in their field but you have professors who care about you as a person. I have learned so much because the professors are willing to sit down with you outside of class...
” – Megan from Springfield, VA
Christian Brothers University is a private college administered by a Catholic teaching order, the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and provides a Lasallian-based curriculum, but there are more than 34...
Professors are knowledgeable and approachable.
” – Royale from Memphis, TN
Founded in 1819 and situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville College is a 4-year liberal arts college in east Tennessee. Maryville confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 60 academic programs. Surrounded by a 140-acre forest, Maryville...
Maryville College taught me how to write a premier college paper. MC also taught me how to manage my time through my freshman classes, faculty, and student body. Maryville College made school interesting and fun through the activities that occur in...
” – Ryan from Knoxville, TN
Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Lipscomb University is a Christian liberal arts institution in Nashville. Lipscomb confers undergraduate degrees in 176 academic areas of study. As a Christian university, Lipscomb holds chapel services twice...
I am learning about so many things I didn't know existed. I am learning about the Babylonian number system, Mayan number system, and the eight-fold path from the Buddhist religion.
” – Erica from LA Vergne, TN
Founded two years before Tennessee achieved statehood in 1794, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the flagship campus of the UT system and the first public university west of the Appalachian Divide. UT is home to nine colleges and schools...
I have completed a total of 34 hours at the UT campus. So far, I have learned a lot from my professors. While some classes are huge (200+), others allow for one-on-one time with other students and faculty. Even in the 200+ classes, discussion...
” – Brittany from Morristown, TN
Belmont University is a 4-year liberal arts institution in Nashville and the largest ecumenical Christian university in the United States. Belmont is home to 10 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 90 fields of study...
The tour I was given at the Nursing building was phenomenal. My advisor was helpful in every way possible and fully capable of answering all my questions and concerns. At Belmont, the class sizes are smaller so the student feels comfortable and can...
” – Nicole from Brentwood, TN
Founded in 1892, Southern Adventist University is an evangelical Christian college in south Tennessee affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The first Adventist school in the south, Southern confers undergraduate degrees in 64 majors. As a...
When I went to Southern I learn so about the school and what I should expect when I attend. The staff are very friend and treat everyone with kindness.
” – Child of God from Norcross, GA
Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, Tennessee. The university was founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1842, and five years later a law school was added, followed by the school of theology in 1854. The Cumberland...
If you plan on attending all four years, you will make friendships and relationships with your professors who all know you by name and really do want you to be the best you can be. Every professor is looking out for your best interest. One of our...
” – Kristen from Franklin, OH
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Lincoln Memorial University is a liberal arts college in northeast Tennessee. LMU offers over 30 bachelor’s degree programs including one of the only Conservation Biology majors in the United States. To ease the...
It is a great school with excellent educational opportunities. However the technology is slow and unreliable. Also it is extremely expensive and is located in an area that is low income so they should find ways to lower tuition.
” – Ashley from Morristown, TN
Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman University is a liberal arts institution associated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Carson-Newman runs the Bonner Center, which promotes justice, social change, and faith...
I am learning so much at Carson-Newman College. The professors are wonderful and really strive for excellence within their classrooms. They really care about their students and how well they perform in the classroom. They take the time to get to know...
” – Margaret from Dahlonega, GATennessee Wesleyan University is a public, 4-year institution established in Nashville. The 500-acre main campus is situated approximately ten minutes from the downtown area and is accompanied by the Avon Williams Campus, which is directly in the...
I am a current freshman at TWC. I feel like my academics have soared so much higher since high school. I feel everyday in class is not a waste.
” – Kaylee from Wartburg, TNKing University is a Presbyterian-affiliated and doctoral-level university that was founded in 1867 as King College. The main 135-acre campus centers around “The Oval,” a mall where all buildings intersect. The campus houses the Burke Observatory and...
At King College the professors care a lot about each student as an individual and strive beyond their job requirements to make sure each student understands the subject at hand.
” – Emilii from Bristol, TNThe Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is a private, medical education institution established in Memphis, Tennessee. The college features a Christ-centered student life, and students are required to complete 100 Service and Worship points...
BCHS is truly a hidden gem amongst the many top-name colleges in the Mid South. It offers the same education (if not better) as any other school youâ??re considering offers, but for a fraction of the price. The BCHS staff is always there to help you...
” – Saint from Collierville, TNFounded in 1842, Bethel University is a private institution based in rural McKenzie, Tennessee. The school operates campuses around the state in Jackson, Nashville, Paris, Clarksville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. It is closely affiliated with the...
I feel that I will learn alot.
” – Caleb from Lexington, TN
Founded in 1866, Fisk University is a private HBCU and the oldest university in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk University is a member of the United Negro College Fund and its Victorian architecture-style campus is recorded in the National Register of...
At Fisk, professors aren't the only ones you learn from. It's the students.
I am reminded everyday that, I sit in class next to some of the brightest minds in the country!
Originally founded as the Buffalo Male and Female Institute, Milligan University is a Christian liberal arts college in the Tri-Cities Region of northeast Tennessee. Milligan is home to four schools of Business, Arts, Sciences, and Ministry hosting...
Milligan is one of the best academic schools I have found. Out of 7 classes, 6 out of the 7 were taught by people who have a doctorate in their respective field. The professors will do whatever necessary to make sure that you understand the material...
” – Elizabeth from Cincinnati, OH
With two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee State University is the only state-funded Historically Black College and University in the state of Tennessee and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. TSU grants bachelor’s and graduate degrees in 77...
I learn a lot of things here. This college is a great place to be. I love the experience!
” – Amber from Memphis, TN