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.
Explore the Best Universities in Tennessee with Appily!
Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Cleveland State Community College is a 2-year institution serving a five county area in southern Tennessee. CSCC is home to seven academic departments known as “career communities” and an honors program. The college’s Advanced Technologies department...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Motlow State Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of Tennessee. Rather than having one main campus, the college maintains four separate locations in Smyrna, Tullahoma, Fayetteville, and McMinnville. Students...
navigation of online classes and campus website are not as friendly as they could be. have great opportunities for local high school students. friendly people.
” – Rebekah from McMinnville, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Roane State Community College is a 2-year community college in east Tennessee. In addition to its campus academic programs, Roane State offers over 100 distance courses and the opportunity to earn a degree entirely online. Every new degree-seeking...
Since becoming a student at Roane State Community College, I am learning so much every single day! I couldn’t be happier with the quality education I receive from my instructors. No matter the course- College Algebra, Composition, or Anatomy &...
” – Brittany from Lenoir City, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Known as “The Great Smoky Mountains Community College,” Walters State is a 2-year community college serving a predominantly rural area in east Tennessee. WSCC features over 150 associate degrees and technical certificates, as well as participates in...
The classes here are very small, and one can easily get help from an instructor. Most instructors stay on topic and are very good teachers.
” – Lauren from Sevierville, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Nashville State Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Davidson County, Tennessee, with satellite locations in Antioch, Waverly, Dickson, and Clarksville. NSCC offers over 80 academic programs, featuring fields of study such...
this college is one of kind. helpful advisers and great selection of classes. would be my first pick any day!!
” – Alicia from Tennessee Ridge, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
American Baptist College is a liberal arts college emphasizing Christian leadership, service, and social justice. Although its student body is predominately African American, ABC is open to all students regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. ABC...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
John A. Gupton College is a 2-year mortuary science institution in Nashville. The college features three academic programs conferring associate of arts and associate of applied science degrees in Funeral Service and a Funeral Director certificate...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Founded by a Christian rock musician, Visible Music College is a Christian music academy dedicated to simultaneously training students in music and ministry. Visible offers three bachelor’s degree programs in Music Production, Music Business, and...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Jackson State Community College is a 2-year community college offering 23 academic majors across four west Tennessee campuses. JSCC offers several distance learning and online classes featuring Embedded Librarians who functions as research coaches...
They are willing to work with you to help you learn.
” – Morgan from Milan, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Northeast State Community College is a 2-year community college in the northeastern corner of Tennessee. Northeast State grants degrees and certificates in over 130 subjects and provides guaranteed admission for all grads to the University of...
I had a lot of trouble first entering college. No one in my family had finished any sort of college degree, not even an associates. I found nothing but friendly, helpful staff. I was directed to what I needed when applying. They offer internet...
” – Cassandra from Johnson City, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Established in 1965, Chattanooga State Community College is a public college located in Tennessee. Chattanooga State is the only college in Tennessee to have a College of Applied Technology. Many of the classes available at this school offer...
The teachers here at Chattanooga State are very helpful. The classrooms aren't very big which enables you to have more one on one contact with the teacher when you need the help.
” – Megan from Manchester, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Dyersburg State Community College is a 2-year institution with a main campus and two extension centers in west Tennessee. DSCC’s seven academic departments offer numerous programs of study such as Sports & Leisure Management and Nutrition & Food...
Dyersburg State is a pretty good school. The teachers are great at what they do and how they do things. You can learn so much from this school. They have an amazing Nursing program, and most recently got an EMT course. Of course, since Dyersburg...
” – Equinox![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Founded in 1876, Meharry Medical College is an institution of health sciences in Nashville and an Historically Black College and University. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Meharry is home to Schools of Medicine and Dentistry. In...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
The Southern College of Optometry is an optometry school in Memphis training students for careers in the eyecare field. SCO offers a 4-year Doctor of Optometry program featuring 32 residency programs—the most of any optometry school in the United...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Mid-South Christian College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Memphis, Tenessee. Mid-South offers a Bachelor in Christian Leadership, which utilizes team-based experiential learning, and two Bachelor programs in Christian Ministry...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Columbia State Community College is a 2-year community college in southern middle Tennessee and the first community college in The Volunteer State. Columbia State offers degrees and certificates in more than 70 areas of study on its five campuses, as...
I feel like most of the teachers really want to help me do well.
” – Keeli from Leoma, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens is a technical and vocational school and branch campus of TCAT in southeast Tennessee. TCAT-Athens offers degrees and certificates in nine career-focused academic programs with a focus on teaching...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution established in Knoxville, Tennessee. The college is also home to four satellite campuses throughout the city, and one in Friendsville. Students attending Pellissippi State have the option of...
The classes are short and sweet. You attend for 55 min. just enough time for you to get what you need yo know, and be on your way. It's great.
” – Shannon from Maryville, TN![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
Originally founded as Southeast College of Technology, Remington College Memphis is a technical and vocational school and a southwest Tennessee-based campus in the Remington system. Remington Memphis offers a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and...
![College placeholder image](/themes/custom/fingerprint/images/cappex_stockhero_background.jpg?updated=091019)
From its tree-filled and landscaped campus, Remington College Nashville is a technical and vocational school and a campus of the Remington system in middle Tennessee. The Nashville campus is home to seven career-centered associate degrees and five...
By Major
- Accounting / Finance
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art
- Biology / Pre Med
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication / Journalism
- Computer Science
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Engineering
- English / Literature
- Environmental Science
- Film
- Global Studies
- History
- International Studies
- IT
- Kinesiology
- Liberal Arts
- Marine Biology
- Math
- Medical
- Music
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Science
- Pre Law
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Teaching / Education
- Theater
- Veterinary