Tennessee has always been a leading example of accessible college education nationwide. Two programs that have led the charge are the Tennessee Promise and the TN eCampus Initiative. The Tennessee Promise marked a decade of success by providing free tuition to more than 150,000 high school seniors, helping them earn technical certificates and associate degrees. Since 2001, the TN eCampus Initiative has supported online learning across 13 community colleges and 27 Colleges of Applied Technology.
This guide, bolstered by data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), can help you find the best online colleges in Tennessee. Explore information on tuition breaks for non-residents and potential career paths for graduates.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Tennessee
Tennessee hosts 82 post-secondary institutions: 24 public, 42 nonprofit, and 16 for-profit schools. Of these institutions, the 23 public schools include 11 four-year universities and 13 community colleges.
In the 2023-24 academic year, CollegeBoard found that the average in-state tuition and fees for four-year public schools in Tennessee costs $10,889, and the average in-state tuition and fees for two-year public schools is $4,767. These figures rank the Volunteer State among 15 states where the average in-state tuition and fees at public universities fell more than 10% since 2018.
in 2013, Tennessee 2024 had 82 degree-granting institutions
- 24 public
- 42 non-profit
- 16 for-profit
There are many financial aid opportunities for students earning their degrees in Tennessee. The state awarded $464,395,735 through need-based and non-need-based grants during the 2021-2022 school year.
The State of Online Higher Education in Tennessee
Tennessee boasts a college enrollment of more than 300,000. A 2019 report from Bay View Analytics found that Tennessee enrolled 273,296 undergraduates and 49,790 graduates. At that time, nearly 66% of Tennessee schools had the capacity to deliver online learning exclusively.
While colleges in Tennessee experienced an undergraduate enrollment decline of 5.7% from 2012-2019, online enrollment grew. In 2019, some 41,219 college students took online courses exclusively, and 123,356 learners took at least one online course. These figures do not take into account the massive growth of online learning amid and following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tennessee also increases college accessibility through the Tennessee Reconnect program, which reimburses eligible students pursuing diplomas, certificates, associate degrees, and more.
Its website also gives students access to online learning options through TN eCampus, the University of Tennessee at Martin, the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee.
Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
The following section includes a ranked list of the best online colleges in Tennessee. Our profiles look at how schools approach accredited online education, listing their services for distance students and fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in Tennessee, explore our state resources, which include a database of every college in the state and popular scholarships.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga | Chattanooga | $$$$$ | 274 University Center Chattanooga, TN 37403 (423) 425-4781 | School Website | More than 11,000 students pursue their degrees with University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The university offers more than 116 undergraduate majors and 48 graduate programs, including online and hybrid degrees in nursing, business, engineering, and music. All online programs deliver at least 80% of the classes through online learning and the remaining 20% through synchronous web-based instruction or face-to-face meetings. The Ph.D. in leadership and decision-making requires more synchronous instruction than other programs. The university keeps tuition affordable with regional discounts, financial aid packages, and a same-as-resident tuition structure for online out-of-state learners. Tennessee residents who graduated in the top 10% of their class, hold 4.0 GPAs, or earn qualifying scores on the admissions exam can receive guaranteed entry. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $436 Out-of-State | $462 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, ABET, The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs | ||
| 2 | The University of Tennessee - Martin | Martin | $$$$$ | 554 University Street Martin, TN 38238 (731) 881-7615 | School Website | University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin), located west of Nashville and northeast of Memphis, enrolls about 6,900 students from 42 states and 119 countries. Enrollees can pursue 150 academic areas, including nine graduate degrees with 21 specialized concentrations. The university's 30-plus online educational programs include undergraduate majors in forensics, farm and ranch management, and veterinary technology and management. Graduate students can pursue master's degrees in dietetics, business, teaching, coaching, and agriculture. The online master's in counseling and the RN-to-BSN programs require no on-campus coursework, so distance education students can quickly enter clinical work. Approximately 89% of the school's undergraduate learners receive financial aid, with $15.1 million awarded in grants and $25.6 awarded in scholarships. UT Martin reports that, within six months of graduation, 84% of alumni are employed or enrolled in graduate school. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $426 Out-of-State | $463 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, ABET, National Association of Schools of Music, American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, and more | ||
| 3 | Tusculum University | Greeneville | $$$$$ | 60 Shiloh Road Greeneville, TN 37745 (423) 636-7312 | School Website | The first of Tennessee's colleges and universities affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Tusculum University enrolls 1,200 students in associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Enrollees can pursue seven undergraduate degrees or seven graduate degrees online. Bachelor's-level distance education programs include business administration, education, English, and psychology. Graduate students can enroll in a master's in teaching, e-learning leadership, management, and nursing programs. The teaching degrees offer three licensure pathways. The bachelor's in special education interventionist K-8 and comprehensive K-12 is a hybrid degree, and Tusculum offers flexible and online associate programs. More than 90% of Tusculum's traditional undergraduates receive financial aid, which may include federal aid, state aid such as the Tennessee Hope Scholarship, or institutional assistance like the First in Family scholarship. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $12,600/year Out-of-State | $12,600/year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs | ||
| 4 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville | $$$$$ | 601 College Street Clarksville, TN 37044 (931) 221-7011 | School Website | Located about an hour's drive northwest of Nashville, Austin Peay State University offers more than 30 online degrees at the certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Over 90% of its faculty participate in online learning programs, keeping an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio in distance education. Students can pursue associate degrees in university studies and bachelor's degrees in areas like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and political science. Graduate options include master's degrees in education, communication, and computer science. Graduate certificate programs offer credits and professional development opportunities in leadership, data science, or teaching. Austin Peay takes an interactive approach to distance learning. Students engage with classmates and professors through D2L educational software, and each course requires enrollees to complete assignments on a pre-established timeline. In 2019, the school cut its out-of-state tuition by nearly 50%, offered veterans additional benefits, and started hosting classes at nearby Fort Campbell. Cost per Credit: In-State | $292 Out-of-State | $556 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences | ||
| 5 | Cumberland University | Lebanon | $$$$$ | 1 Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087 (800) 467-0562 | School Website | Cumberland University offers more than 100 academic programs and serves more than 3,000 students. Some master's programs are online, but the undergraduate catalog is for in-person studies. Its master of arts in sport management equips students with advanced skills in event management, sport manufacturing, and sport media. Students take 36 credits over 12 months, with the fall and spring terms split into two eight-week sessions. Each term requires at least two classes to finish within a year. New enrollees can begin at one of six start dates throughout the calendar year. Courses include sport law and ethics; psycho-social aspects of sport and exercise; and administration of physical/health education, intramural and athletics. You complete an internship, thesis, or graduate project to finish the program. Cumberland University offers financial aid assistance to sports management students enrolled in six or more credits. Credits to Earn Master's: 30+ Cost per Credit: In-State | $625/credit (graduate) Out-of-State | $625/credit (graduate) Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs | ||
| 6 | Johnson University | Knoxville | $$$$$ | 7900 Johnson Dr Knoxville, TN 37998 (865) 573-4517 | School Website | Johnson University, located in Knoxville and affiliated with churches of Christ, has helped hundreds of students achieve their goal of personal and spiritual development through a Biblical education at an affordable cost. Today, the university's online programs include associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, ministry, leadership, counseling, and other areas. Students may also earn specialized certificates in leadership, ministry, or spiritual formation. Donors, financial aid, and work-study packages help Johnson keep tuition affordable, and online learners pay reduced costs for field ministry credits. Each undergraduate applicant must have earned a high school diploma and submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores. At the master's level, an applicant needs a bachelor's degree, while a Ph.D. candidate must hold a master's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Cost per Credit: In-State | $475/credit Out-of-State | $475/credit Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Association of Christian Schools International, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs | ||
| 7 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville | $$$$$ | 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38505 (931) 372-3101 | School Website | Tennessee Technological University, a public institution in Cookeville, serves more than 10,000 students in agriculture, business, education, nursing, and other programs. Graduate students can choose from master's degrees in business, exercise studies, nursing, education, or another field. Tennessee Tech also offers an online Ph.D. in higher education. Undergraduate students may pursue bachelor's degrees in engineering, nursing, education, or other career-ready fields. Students can also take classes through the TNeCampus, an online pool of courses offered by participating Tennessee colleges and universities. The university offers innovative pathways to admission for online students over age 21 who do not hold high school diplomas. Tennessee Tech also participates in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway program, which guarantees Tennessee community college graduates admission and complete acceptance of qualifying previous coursework. Cost per Credit: In-State | $468 Out-of-State | $608 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ABET, and more | ||
| 8 | Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate | $$$$$ | 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 (800) 325-0900 | School Website | Founded in 1897 as a memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is located at the juncture of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia in the Cumberland Gap. The school enrolls nearly 6,000 students — primarily at the graduate level — online and at its 1,000-acre campus. LMU provides 100% online and hybrid courses using Canvas, a web-based learning management tool. Students with RN licensure can pursue online bachelor's degrees in nursing. Other students may enroll in master's programs such as criminal justice, education, public administration, and business. LMU also offers a 30 credit Ed.S., for teachers with master's degrees. At the doctoral level, students can pursue online DBA, DNP, or DMS degrees for certified physician assistants. The university reports that about 65% of enrollees receive financial assistance. Credits to Earn RN-to-BSN: 79 credits Cost per Credit: In-State | $420/credit Out-of-State | $420/credit Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, American Veterinary Medical Association | ||
| 9 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | $$$$$ | 1276 Gilbreath Dr. Johnson City, TN 37614 (423) 439-1000 | School Website | Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) now serves nearly 14,000 students with more than 170 academic programs, including online degree options. Students can enroll in fully or primarily online undergraduate programs, graduate degrees, and certificates at either academic level. Options include degree-completion programs in dental hygiene, radiologic science, and respiratory therapy. Undergraduate students can also pursue degrees in English, human services, marketing, and social work. ETSU offers fully online graduate degrees in allied health, business, criminal justice, digital marketing, information systems, public health, and social work. Doctoral options include an Ed.D. in global sport leadership and a DNP. Students can also enroll in a mostly online Ph.D in nursing or Ph.D. in early childhood education. Tennessee residents and students from border counties can qualify for special tuition pricing. All other online learners pay a flat rate. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $441/credit Out-of-State | $507/credit Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, Council on Social Work Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and more | ||
| 10 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | $$$$$ | 1301 East Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37132 (615) 898-2300 | School Website | Middle Tennessee State University(MTSU)launched its first online courses in 1997 with 53 students enrolled. Today, the school offers hundreds of online classes and 55 entirely online and hybrid degrees. Enrollment in online learning swelled to more than 10,500 students in 2024. More than 50% of MTSU students are taking an online course, and 13% are learning entirely online. The university offers undergraduate degrees in commerce, criminal justice, information systems, music business, and emergency management and homeland security. Online graduate programs include nursing, education, library science, and criminal justice. MTSU also provides several undergraduate and graduate programs through hybrid delivery. MTSU delivers online coursework through the Desire2Learn platform, facilitating collaboration and communication between students and faculty. The university features a reduced tuition rate for non-resident students enrolled entirely in online coursework. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $314/credit Out-of-State | $563/credit Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, ABET, Aviation Accreditation Board International, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and more |
Even if you live outside of Tennessee, you can still pay in-state tuition in some cases. The Southern Regional Education Board helps college students get tuition discounts through the Academic Common Market (ACM). Undergraduate and graduate students from 15 other participating states can apply. Schools set deadlines to apply for the ACM. Tennesseeans are also eligible for in-state tuition in the following member states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Institutions also offer tuition breaks for non-residents. For instance, Tennessee State University offers tuition discounts to undergraduate and graduate students located within a 250-mile radius of Nashville.
Job Opportunities in Tennessee for College Graduates
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported that, as of March 2024, Tennessee’s unemployment rate hit 3.2% — lower than the national rate of 3.8%.
According to data from the Sycamore Institute, higher degree attainment in Tennessee often leads to better salaries. In 2021, individuals with bachelor’s degrees earned a median salary of $53,000, while those with associate degrees or less made at least $39,000.
The state’s fastest-growing industries include healthcare, education, business, and technology. Job openings for general and operations management and registered nurses (RNs) are projected to outpace other careers that require a bachelor’s degree. These careers have respective salaries of $87,975 and $60,122.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Tennessee 2024
MaryEllen Locher Foundation Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT VARIES
DEADLINE: VARIES
This group of scholarships, which has various amounts with varying deadlines, is available to children of parents residing within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga who have breast cancer.
Middle College Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO $4,000 ANNUALLY
DEADLINE: SEPT. 1
This scholarship is designed for high school juniors and seniors enrolled full time at eligible postsecondary institutions to earn associate degrees by high school graduation. Each candidate must be a Tennessee resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA and maintain enrollment at an approved two-year college.
Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE: MARCH 2025
High school seniors or college students in Tennessee currently employed by Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association member stores with at least six months of work experience can qualify for this program.
Ned McWherter Scholars Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO $6,000 ANNUALLY
DEADLINE: FEB. 2025
Awarded to Tennessee residents with minimum GPAs of 3.75, this program requires applicants to have ACT scores of 32 or SAT scores of 1430 to qualify.
Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $60,000
DEADLINE: DEC. 2025
Applicants must be enrolled in a Middle Tennessee high school and committed to a full-time business or STEM college program. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5, an ACT score of 21, and demonstrable financial need.
Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
DEADLINE: SEPT. 2025
This scholarship is available to Tennessee residents who receive Tennessee HOPE Scholarships and pursue approved educator preparation programs.
Jack Diller Education Award
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
DEADLINE: FEB. 2025
To qualify, each applicant must attend a Nashville or Middle Tennessee high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Candidates must also demonstrate classroom leadership and athletic strengths. The scholarship is awarded through the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: UP TO $5,100
DEADLINE: SEMESTER DEADLINE
This scholarship requires each applicant to be a Tennessee resident who graduated from an eligible high school and is enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution. Each first-year applicant needs a minimum GPA of 3.0, an ACT score of 21, or an SAT score of 1060 to qualify.
Tennessee Promise Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: COVERS TUITION AND FEES
DEADLINE: NOV. 1
This scholarship provides essential financial support and mentorship to students pursuing approved technical or two-year programs in Tennessee. It offers a last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and fees not provided by other financial aid to Tennessee residents enrolled in approved technical or two-year programs.
James A. Hyter Vocal Music Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
DEADLINE: APRIL 2025
This music scholarship requires an applicant to be a Memphis resident with a 3.0 GPA. Each candidate must also pass a vocal audition.
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