Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
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Tennessee is home to dozens of higher education institutions, including doctoral research universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. The main state university, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, serves over 30,000 students. Major cities like Memphis and Nashville also house large colleges and universities, which often have online programs.
The best online colleges in Tennessee also offer hybrid learning options. The Distance Education State Almanac reported that about 83% of students who enrolled exclusively in distance learning courses in Tennessee in 2015 also lived there.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Whether you will be an in-state or out-of-state student, you can find a school to suit your remote or hybrid learning needs in our ranking of the best online colleges in Tennessee.
Why Study in Tennessee?
For students looking to head outdoors, Tennessee offers a wealth of activities and scenic views.
Colleges in Tennessee offer students a variety of cultural enrichment opportunities. Known as Music City, Nashville is perhaps Tennessee's most famous tourist destination. Here, students can visit attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and the Music City Walk of Fame.
Music lovers may also flock to Graceland and the historic Sun Studio, both in Memphis, which also hosts the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and the Center for Southern Folklore.
A large student population lives in Knoxville. UT Knoxville students can explore attractions like the World's Fair Park, Zoo Knoxville, and Knoxville Museum of Art. Sports fans can watch the school's football team, the UT Vols, play at Neyland Stadium, the fifth largest stadium in the nation.
For students looking to head outdoors, Tennessee offers a wealth of activities and scenic views. Students can enjoy Tennessee's moderate weather year-round at the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Ruby Falls, the nation's largest underground waterfall.
Top Degree Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee Employment Outlook
Tennessee offers diverse career opportunities for college-educated job-seekers.Jobs in Tennessee have been on the rise since August 2020, especially in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, and the education, health, and professional services industries.
According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee employment is most concentrated in office and administrative support occupations. These professionals earn an annual mean wage of $37,910.
Surgeons earn the highest annual mean wage in Tennessee, at $270,180. Other highly paid occupations in Tennessee include chief executive, sales manager, and postsecondary teacher; professionals in these fields earn more than $100,000 annually.
Popular Career Paths in Tennessee
2022 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Johnson University
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $450
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $450-$675
Graduate, out of state | N/A
Christian-based JUTN tops our list of online colleges in Tennessee, with programs for undergraduate and graduate learners. Students major in applied linguistics or business administration, pursue a master's in intercultural studies or ministry, or earn a Ph.D. in leadership studies.
Undergraduate admission requires test scores (ACT, SAT, or CLT) or a writing sample and two academic references. Distance learners enjoy access to academic advising, career counseling, library resources, and tutoring. Asynchronous course delivery follows a seven-week term.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $378
Undergrad, out of state | $453
Graduate, in state | $639
Graduate, out of state | $714
UT Knoxville offers over 40 online programs with 24/7 counseling services. Distance learners study agriculture, arts and sciences, nursing, or social work. Graduate students choose from options in business, communication and information sciences, engineering, and education.
Course delivery options include hybrid on-campus and online learning, asynchronous online only, or synchronous online only. The virtual aspect of all three options takes place using Canvas or Zoom. First-year applicants submit an online application, self-reported academic record, and a prompted essay. Some departments use additional requirements.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $275-$395
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $435-$799
Graduate, out of state | N/A
Trevecca, a Christian university, is one of the online colleges in Tennessee with programs at every level. Trevecca offers an associate in business management, a bachelor's in healthcare administration, a master's in African American worship studies, and a Ph.D. in clinical counseling.
Admission requires submission of an application and transcripts. An enrollment counselor contacts applicants once they submit an online form. Trevecca offers financial aid to distance learners, along with remote writing center tutoring and technology help.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $400
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $490-$810
Graduate, out of state | N/A
As one of the top online colleges in Tennessee, LMU features both fully online and hybrid programs. LMU offers remote bookstore and library services, along with career and academic advising.
Degree options include a bachelor's in nursing bridge program; master's in criminal justice, public administration, and veterinary education; and master's and doctorates in business administration.
Program admission requirements vary. The bachelor's in nursing for registered nurses requires a state license and associate degree or nursing diploma.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Union University
Jackson, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $340-$470
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $590-$675
Graduate, out of state | N/A
Offering Christian-based learning, Union's academic catalog lets students choose from many different fully online degrees. Options include an associate of science in professional studies and a bachelor's in Christian leadership. Graduate learners study accountancy, business, Christian studies, education, music technology, nursing, and social work.
Remote learners get access to advising information, IT help, library databases, and writing assistance. Online undergraduate admission requires an age of 22 and a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some programs, such as nursing, require additional criteria.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
King University
Bristol, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $305-$330
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $605-$610
Graduate, out of state | N/A
Presbyterian-affiliated King lists 17 online programs for undergraduates and graduate students. Distance learners earn their credentials in arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology.
King's admission process starts with a consultation with an enrollment counselor. Undergraduates need a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or 16 college credits in core prerequisites. Specific programs may have additional requirements, such as licensure, recommendations, or personal statements. Online learning features asynchronous coursework, and success coaches support remote students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $416
Undergrad, out of state | $600
Graduate, in state | $550
Graduate, out of state | $967
UTHSC offers online degree and certificate programs in nursing, health data analytics, and health informatics and information management. Students interested in hybrid instruction choose from graduate nursing and epidemiology.
Remote learners access the health science library, financial aid, technology support, and academic advising through Blackboard and other web-based applications. Applicants submit an online application, essay, three recommendations, transcripts, and test scores. Some programs require specific licensure.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $419
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $606
Graduate, out of state | N/A
UofM Global distance learners study asynchronously and earn degrees in more than 100 programs. Undergraduates choose from areas like business, computing, health, humanities, and social sciences. Graduate programs include arts, education, engineering, and liberal studies.
UofM supports online students with advising, tutoring, library resources, and career services. Prospective students submit an online application, transcripts, and test scores, depending on their program. Applicants and admitted students get access to a free online college prep course.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Bryan College-Dayton
Dayton, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $395
Undergrad, out of state | N/A
Graduate, in state | $475-$600
Graduate, out of state | N/A
As one of the colleges in Tennessee offering asynchronous online study, Christian-based Bryan lists several programs. Undergraduates pursue associate degrees in business or interdisciplinary studies and bachelor's degrees in applied psychology, business administration, communication studies, and criminal justice.
Bachelor's and graduate business administration concentrations include healthcare management, human resource management, leadership, and marketing. Graduate students can also earn education and biblical-focused credentials.
Applicants work with an admission counselor after submitting their applications and transcripts.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $426
Undergrad, out of state | $463
Graduate, in state | $631
Graduate, out of state | $688
UT Martin's online programs include paralegal studies, criminal justice, family and consumer science, education, sport coaching and performance, and strategic communications. Business administration students can earn a bachelor's degree or MBA. Other bachelor's degrees include agricultural business, history, interdisciplinary studies, nursing, and philosophy.
Remote learners use the Canvas platform and work with an advisor. Online services include bookstore and virtual writing center services. Admission requires an online application.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
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