2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Tennessee

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Vanderbilt University	7221	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	25186	73909	#1 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Vanderbilt University was named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and rail magnate, due to his gift of $1 million. Its campus spans 330 acres in midtown Nashville and the school's motto is "dare to grow." Many students at Vanderbilt major in Social Sciences, General, Computer Science, and Econometrics and......Read more Undergraduates 7,221 Acceptance Rate 5.9% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $25,186 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,909
2	Rhodes College	1838	50.35	1,260 – 1,450	31037	48898	#2 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Rhodes College Memphis, TN Getting its start in the mid-1830’s with the Montgomery Academy, Rhodes College is primarily composed of undergraduates. “Truth, Loyalty, Service” is the motto of Rhodes. Red and black are the colors for the Lynx sports teams, who compete in events such as Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse....Read more Undergraduates 1,838 Acceptance Rate 50.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $31,037 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,898
3	The University of the South	1644	56.9	1,280 – 1,400	34815	53456	#3 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of the South Sewanee, TN The University of the South, or Sewanee, sits on 13,000 acres. The grounds are often called “The Domain” or “The Mountain,” and have several Gothic-styled buildings. The university’s magazine, “Sewanee Review,” has been running since 1892, making it the oldest continuous literary magazine in the country. Undergraduates 1,644 Acceptance Rate 56.9% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $34,815 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,456
4	Milligan University	865	72.29	1,120 – 1,280	21165	43168	#4 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Milligan University Milligan, TN Milligan University is a Christ-centered liberal arts school with a 355-acre campus. 100% of students receive grant aid, about $31,220 each. A NAIA Division II university, students can also receive athletic scholarships. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General. Undergraduates 865 Acceptance Rate 72.3% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $21,165 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,168
5	Union University	1934	60.41	1,120 – 1,380	28452	45505	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Union University Jackson, TN Union University athletes are known as the Bulldogs. Previously a NCAA Division I school, they’ve won several championships while part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Today, athletes compete in the Gulf South Conference....Read more Undergraduates 1,934 Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $28,452 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,505
6	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	30564	41.6	1,210 – 1,400	21648	47782	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN Located in Knoxville, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 42% of applicants and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 88% of students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 30,564 Acceptance Rate 41.6% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $21,648 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,782
7	Belmont University	7175	95.28	1,180 – 1,370	38578	42770	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Belmont University Nashville, TN Located in Nashville, Belmont University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 93% of students at Belmont University currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 7,175 Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $38,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,770
8	Lipscomb University	3336	67.73	1,150 – 1,380	27695	50454	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lipscomb University Nashville, TN Lipscomb University is a fairly selective school and during the last admissions cycle, 25% of accepted students enrolled. A NCAA Division I without football member, 265 Bisons compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference....Read more Undergraduates 3,336 Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $27,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,454
9	Freed-Hardeman University	1873	59.68	1,010 – 1,230	20178	40086	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TN Found in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University accepts 60% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 96% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 86% and 58% of students will earn......Read more Undergraduates 1,873 Acceptance Rate 59.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $20,178 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,086
10	Christian Brothers University	1155	86.7	1,020 – 1,200	16754	48592	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Christian Brothers University Memphis, TN Located in Memphis, Christian Brothers University accepts 87% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,155 Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $16,754 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,592
11	Johnson University	746	65.11	970 – 1,170	22615	35649	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Johnson University Knoxville, TN Found in Knoxville, Johnson University accepted 65% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 96% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 746 Acceptance Rate 65.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,615 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,649
12	Lee University	3271	70.52	1,040 – 1,270	20416	38082	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lee University Cleveland, TN Found in Cleveland, Lee University accepts 71% of applicants. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 99% of students at Lee University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 3,271 Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $20,416 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,082
13	Nossi College of Art and Design	247	46.31	--	24044	28099	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Nossi College of Art and Design’s acceptance rate is 46% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 57% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $1,376 on average. The first year retention rate is 88%....Read more Undergraduates 247 Acceptance Rate 46.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $24,044 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
14	Maryville College	1132	60.92	1,040 – 1,300	21469	39305	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Maryville College Maryville, TN Located in Maryville, Maryville College accepts 61% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Maryville College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more Undergraduates 1,132 Acceptance Rate 60.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $21,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,305
15	Tennessee Technological University	9187	76.13	1,040 – 1,290	15336	43759	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University’s acceptance rate is 76%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 70% of students at Tennessee Technological University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 9,187 Acceptance Rate 76.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $15,336 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,759
16	Tennessee Wesleyan University	918	68.85	1,010 – 1,140	15125	45987	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, TN Tennessee Wesleyan University was founded as the Athens Female College in 1857. Although it became coeducational only a few years later, a majority of the student body are still women. Many students major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General....Read more Undergraduates 918 Acceptance Rate 68.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,125 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,987
17	Lincoln Memorial University	1668	62.59	980 – 1,190	21447	45242	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN Based in Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University’s acceptance rate is 63% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 66% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 72% of students continued studying at Lincoln Memorial University......Read more Undergraduates 1,668 Acceptance Rate 62.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,447 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,242
18	Southern Adventist University	2929	65.5	1,020 – 1,250	25753	44818	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN Located in Collegedale, Southern Adventist University’s acceptance rate is 66% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Southern Adventist University currently receive institutional grant aid. 83% of students decide to stay at Southern Adventist......Read more Undergraduates 2,929 Acceptance Rate 65.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $25,753 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,818
19	Middle Tennessee State University	18042	69.09	1,040 – 1,240	13859	39941	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Located in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 53% of students at Middle Tennessee State University currently receive grant aid from......Read more Undergraduates 18,042 Acceptance Rate 69.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,859 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,941
20	University of Memphis	15770	72.03	970 – 1,180	12756	40921	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee University of Memphis Memphis, TN 475 Tigers at the University of Memphis compete in the NCAA Division I-FBS American Athletic Conference. Until 2020, the school’s mascot was a live tiger, known as TOM. Since then, Pouncer, a costumed mascot, has taken over the job. Kinesiology and Exercise Science is a popular undergraduate major. Undergraduates 15,770 Acceptance Rate 72.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,921
21	The University of Tennessee-Martin	6809	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11955	38863	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TN Based in Martin, The University of Tennessee-Martin accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 84% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Martin currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,809 Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,955 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,863
22	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga	10202	81.09	1,040 – 1,240	15347	42209	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN Located in Chattanooga, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga accepts 81% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 58% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 10,202 Acceptance Rate 81.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $15,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,209
23	Bryan College-Dayton	1565	51.01	1,070 – 1,250	18159	45559	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, TN Found in Dayton, Bryan College-Dayton accepts 51% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,565 Acceptance Rate 51.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $18,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,559
24	East Tennessee State University	10829	86.19	1,010 – 1,240	16286	38704	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Found in Johnson City, East Tennessee State University accepts 86% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 53% of students at East Tennessee State University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 76%....Read more Undergraduates 10,829 Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,286 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,704
25	Bethel University	2674	60.23	850 – 1,090	13112	38990	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Bethel University McKenzie, TN Based in McKenzie, Bethel University’s acceptance rate is 60% and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 95% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 54% and 2% of students will earn their......Read more Undergraduates 2,674 Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 850 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $13,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,990
26	Welch College	350	0	--	21157	34190	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Welch College Gallatin, TN Undergraduates 350 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $21,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,190
27	Fisk University	1035	37.42	1,060 – 1,290	18595	33604	#27 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Fisk University Nashville, TN Fisk University’s 40-acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. Opening in 1866, it focused on providing education to freed slaves. The school is highly selective, and many students choose to major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 1,035 Acceptance Rate 37.4% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $18,595 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,604
28	Trevecca Nazarene University	1903	69.44	980 – 1,190	18035	46065	#28 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN Based in Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University accepts 69% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,903 Acceptance Rate 69.4% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $18,035 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,065
29	King University	964	99.72	980 – 1,180	22748	52248	#29 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee King University Bristol, TN Based in Bristol, King University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 97% of students at King University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 964 Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,748 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,248
30	Cumberland University	2745	67.33	970 – 1,140	18499	52246	#30 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Cumberland University Lebanon, TN Found in Lebanon, Cumberland University accepts 67% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Cumberland University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 59% and around 30% of students......Read more Undergraduates 2,745 Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $18,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,246
31	Tusculum University	940	72.17	930 – 1,110	20355	39925	#31 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tusculum University Greeneville, TN Found in Greeneville, Tusculum University’s acceptance rate is 72%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 940 Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $20,355 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,925
32	Baptist Health Sciences University	782	82.02	930 – 1,110	11348	59224	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Baptist Health Sciences University accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 39% of students attending Baptist Health Sciences University currently receive institutional grant......Read more Undergraduates 782 Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $11,348 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,224
33	Austin Peay State University	8926	96.41	970 – 1,180	9882	38779	#33 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN Found in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 80% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,926 Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $9,882 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,779
34	Carson-Newman University	1596	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	20895	39324	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Based in Jefferson City, Carson-Newman University accepts 90% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Carson-Newman University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more Undergraduates 1,596 Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,324
35	Tennessee State University	5057	70.11	890 – 1,070	14586	34160	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Tennessee State University Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Tennessee State University accepted 70% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 28% of students attending Tennessee State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 33%....Read more Undergraduates 5,057 Acceptance Rate 70.1% SAT Score 890 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $14,586 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,160
36	South College	8782	100	--	17588	37570	#36 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee South College Knoxville, TN Based in Knoxville, South College accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 58% of students attending South College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 8,782 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,588 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,570
37	Le Moyne-Owen College	659	99.23	780 – 950	6542	25992	#37 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Le Moyne-Owen College’s acceptance rate is 99% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 28% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 47% of students continued studying at Le Moyne-Owen College after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 659 Acceptance Rate 99.2% SAT Score 780 – 950 Avg. Net Price $6,542 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,992
38	The University of Tennessee Southern	1012	86.71	970 – 1,180	14546	36151	#38 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, TN Found in Pulaski, The University of Tennessee Southern’s acceptance rate is 87%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 82% of students attending The University of Tennessee Southern currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 77% and around 23% of students......Read more Undergraduates 1,012 Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $14,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,151
39	Lane College	738	48.47	800 – 930	11803	24623	#39 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Lane College Jackson, TN Based in Jackson, Lane College’s acceptance rate is 48% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 38% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 738 Acceptance Rate 48.5% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $11,803 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,623
40	Visible Music College	79	28.03	1,010 – 1,370	27045	32345	#40 2026 Best Colleges in Tennessee Visible Music College Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Visible Music College accepts 28% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 39% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 79 Acceptance Rate 28.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $27,045 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,345