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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Johnson University is a private, Christian university founded in 1893. The curriculum integrates the arts and sciences with Bible studies and theology. Johnson University is affiliated with the Independent Christian Church and offers an on-campus...

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in every class that i have attended thus far, i have learned something new. each teacher does his/her best to encompass and utilize each of the different learning styles in his/her classroom and connect the subject to other classes.

” – Hannah
Tennessee Technological University

Based in the rural town of Cookeville, Tennessee, the Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. The university’s curriculum is focused on technology and science. A majority of students pursue degrees in teacher education, business...

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There are a lot of smart people here, and I haven't heard a negative thing yet about it! When I tell everybody I am going to Tech, they say, Wow! That's a great school! Everybody is so excited for me!

” – Jessie from Greenbrier, TN
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Freed-Hardeman University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Henderson, Tennessee. Students attending FHU are required to both attend a daily chapel and enroll in a Bible course each semester, and the college provides students...

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I have been able to sit in on a few classes and was blown away every time! The teachers seem to be great and want to help you do well!

” – William from Evansville, IN
The University of Tennessee-Martin

The University of Tennessee at Martin is a fixture in the West Tennessee educational landscape and beyond. We are a primary regional university in the University of Tennessee System with more than 6,800 students, six locations and a strong online...

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The University has wonderful and exotic classes with professors who are knowledgeable in their particular skill. The faculty is available almost anytime of the day for additional help. The class sizes are smaller at Martin than at other. However...

” – Dexter from Millington, TN
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a 4-year public university in southern Tennessee and one of three campuses in the UT System. UTC hosts colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Professional Studies conferring undergraduate...

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I've learned so much, not just in classes but being on my own and on campus. Responsibility is huge when in college. You have to study twice the amount of time you're in class. Aside from academics, I've learned how to cope without my circle of...

” – Brittany from Signal Mountain, TN
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Bryan College is a private, Christ-centered institution established on a 128-acre campus in Dayton, Tennessee. Academics at Bryan feature associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs within 46 different fields of study, as well as student-to...

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The professors and teachers have great teaching styles and are also very easy to learn from. The material is relevant for today's society.

” – CAREY from Hixson, TN
Tusculum University

Established in 1794, Tusculum University is a private, 4-year institution located in Greeneville, Tennessee. Along with its main campus, Tusculum also maintains a satellite campus in Morristown and a Center for Graduate and Professional Studies in...

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At Tusculum College the schedule here is different. For 18 days, We have one class at a time. My first class was psychology 101 this year. Each class is 3 hours long. You could have a morning or afternoon class depending on your schedule. I learned...

” – Jessyca from kingsport, TN
Lee University

Lee University is a 4-year institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. They offer 55 majors on the more than 119 acre campus with the focus of “develop[ing] within the students knowledge, appreciation, understanding, ability and skill which will...

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In general, classes are challenging but not too overwhelming. Lee offers a variety of classes so that students can study subjects that really interest them.

” – Laura from Virginia
University of Memphis

Formerly known as Memphis State, the University of Memphis is a 4-year public research institution. U of M is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an honors program. In addition to classroom space, U of M...

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There are ALWAYS things going on in the Tiger Den or on the track field. It's easy to get yourself in a game of ultimate frisbee or kickball. The SAC also does a great job getting fun events a few times a month.

” – Margaret from Henry, TN
Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a 4-year public institution in central Tennessee founded in 1911. MTSU is home to eight colleges granting undergraduate degrees in over 140 academic programs as well as the first Honors College in the state. To...

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The college courses that I am currently enrolled in make me try my best and learn all I can in them. The professors try to actually make the classes interesting so students will want to return.

” – Jessica from Lewisburg, TN
East Tennessee State University

Originally founded as a normal school, East Tennessee State University is a 4-year public university and part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. ETSU is home to 11 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees...

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I have learned a lot in the classes I have taken so far. I really learned a lot in my computer class and have enjoyed my teachers thus far. After taking sociology class, I decided to take more sociology in the future possibly making it a minor.

” – Morgan from Bluff City, TN
Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University is a Christian university in the heart of Nashville focused on preparing students for lives of leadership and service. Founded in 1901, Trevecca is committed to holistic education, encouraging students to grow...

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Education here is great, the teachers are just pouring out knowledge

” – Joshua from Paris, TN
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Affiliated with the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Welch College is a 4-year Christian college in north Tennessee. Welch is home to a School of Theology which provides training for a life in ministry as well as departments of Arts &...

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MCA gives an individualized education. Great for people who prefer a small classroom and teachers that actually care about you. More conceptually based than most other art colleges.

” – Elena from Memphis, TN
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Lane College

Lane College is a private, historically black institution established in Jackson, Tennessee. Along with its traditional class offerings, the college also offers the Lane Evening Adult Program to allow working adult learners the ability to earn a...

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College itself is what you make it!! The small class room setting is really a huge plus!!

” – Jelisa from LA Vergne, TN
The University of Tennessee Southern

University of Tennessee Southern is a liberal arts college which is home to a family of approximately 1000 enrolled students. UT Southern's campus is located in Pulaski, Tennessee, in the beautiful hills of southern Middle Tennessee, UT Southern is...

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Martin is a very small school, only about 1,200 students, but that is the best part about it. It feels like home, the tight-nit community make the transition from high school to college a lot less stressful. All in all, Martin is a great school and a...

” – Kara from South New Berlin, NY
Austin Peay State University

Named for a former state governor, Austin Peay State University is a public institution in north Tennessee. Austin Peay is home to colleges of Arts & Letters, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and STEM conferring undergraduate degrees. In...

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Members of Austin Peay's faculty are very friendly and helpful. Most professors have an open door policy and are willing to do anything to help their students learn. Also, with the honors program, there are multiple opportunities to build on the...

” – April from Clarksville, TN
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Williamson College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Franklin, Tennessee, with a newly-established satellite campus in Smyrna. WC offers programs in Ministry and Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, and Accounting...

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Originally opened in 1862 as a school for freedman and runaway slaves, Le Moyne-Owen College is a liberal arts institution and the only Historically Black College in Memphis. LOC is home to five academic divisions offering 23 majors including Urban...

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This school is an awesome HBCU institution, concluding that it is a constant affiliation with the connections of one's warmth of history.

” – Angelique from Memphis, TN