Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
2024From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to Memphis in the west, Tennessee is home to dozens of colleges. Earning a college degree in Tennessee can prepare you for in-demand careers in business, healthcare, education, and other fields.
Online colleges in Tennessee can give you a flexible, affordable pathway to a degree. In an online learning format, you can take classes according to your schedule and compare costs to find a school that fits your budget.
Keep reading to learn more about the best online colleges in Tennessee.
Featured Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,332
- Out-of-state$29,552
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled33,969
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$16,900
- Out-of-state$16,900
- In-State$9,630
- Out-of-state$9,630
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled1,550
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$33,012
- Out-of-state$33,012
- In-State$17,100
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled4,778
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$19,800
- Out-of-state$19,800
- In-State$14,850
- Out-of-state$14,850
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled3,883
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$17,384
- Out-of-state$17,384
- In-State$9,285
- Out-of-state$9,285
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled942
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Cost of College in Tennessee
How much will you pay for a college degree in Tennessee? The answer depends on the school and the number of credits you need to earn. In-state colleges typically charge the lowest tuition rates, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The cost of Tennessee colleges varies widely, so make sure to research tuition rates, the total cost of a degree, and your financial aid opportunities. Online programs often charge a flat tuition rate regardless of where you live.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $10,397 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $24,381 |
| Private Four-Year | $30,734 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $4,459 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $17,209 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Tennessee
Over the next decade, jobs for nurse practitioners, logisticians, and information security analysts are projected to grow in Tennessee — and these role also pay high wages.
Many of Tennessee’s fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs require applicants to possess a college degree. Attending an online college in Tennessee can prepare you for careers in these in-demand fields.
For example, you can earn a bachelor’s in mathematics or computer science to work as an information security analyst. The Tennessee Department of Labor projects this field will grow 32% from 2020-2030. Below are the top 10 fastest-growing individual jobs in Tennessee during this period.
| Job | Job Growth, 2020-2030 | Median Annual Wage, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | 6% | $41,464 |
| Cooks, Restaurants | 5% | $29,557 |
| Motion Picture Projectionists | 5% | $30,498 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 5% | $103,083 |
| Statisticians | 5% | $78,976 |
| Logisticians | 4% | $63,655 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4% | $39,025 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | 4% | $38,049 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | 4% | $24,102 |
| Information Security Analysts | 4% | $95,737 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Tennessee
The cheapest online colleges in Tennessee are Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University. These public universities charge under $9,000 per year in tuition, according to 2023-2024 data from NCES.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 16, 2024.
Explore More College Resources
Best Community Colleges in Tennessee
Learn about flexible programs offered by community colleges in Tennessee, as well as how you can apply for free tuition and scholarships.
Updated October 18, 2024
Best Colleges in Mississippi
The higher education experts at BestColleges.com reviewed the top 4-year colleges in Mississippi. Start planning your future at BestColleges.com
Updated October 7, 2024
Best Colleges in Alabama
The higher education experts at BestColleges.com reviewed the 4-year colleges in Alabama. Start planning your future at BestColleges.com.
by Hannah Muniz
Updated September 24, 2024