Cheapest Online Colleges in Tennessee [2025 Guide]
Tennessee boasts a wide range of colleges and universities that offer exceptional online programs at affordable prices, designed to accommodate busy schedules.
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As a state with a robust higher education system, Tennessee provides numerous options for students seeking flexible and cost-effective online learning opportunities.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at Tennessee's public colleges is quite competitive compared to the national average, making higher education accessible to more students. The state's diverse array of institutions ensures that learners can find programs that suit their needs and goals.
Thanks to this extensive and high-quality college system, students in Tennessee have easy access to a variety of online learning opportunities. Looking for an affordable online college in Tennessee? Our carefully curated list has you covered.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Tennessee
1. The University of Tennessee-Martin
- Average Net Price: $11,952
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $44,213
The University of Tennessee-Martin has an admission rate of 88.44%, making it relatively accessible. The average cost of attendance for academic year institutions is $21,744. In-state tuition and fees are $9,912, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $15,952. Students who complete their studies have a median debt of $21,024.
2. East Tennessee State University
- Average Net Price: $12,886
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $44,859
East Tennessee State University boasts an admission rate of 85.26%. The average cost of attendance is $24,278. In-state tuition and fees are $9,674, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $13,484. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $19,442.
3. Christian Brothers University
- Average Net Price: $12,948
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $57,478
Christian Brothers University has a high admission rate of 87.46%. The average cost of attendance is $45,249. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,520. Graduates typically have a median debt of $27,000.
4. University of Memphis
- Average Net Price: $13,216
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $48,458
The University of Memphis admits 94.60% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $23,875. In-state tuition and fees are $10,056, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $14,280. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $23,300.
5. Middle Tennessee State University
- Average Net Price: $13,267
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $48,541
Middle Tennessee State University’s admission rate is 72.54%. The average cost of attendance is $21,922. In-state tuition and fees are $9,232, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,264. Median debt for students who complete their degrees is $20,000.
6. Bethel University
- Average Net Price: $13,446
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Median Earnings: $47,482
Bethel University has an admission rate of 88.79%. The average cost of attendance is $26,998. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,482. Graduates typically have a median debt of $27,249.
7. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
- Average Net Price: $13,539
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $51,151
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga has an admission rate of 82.65%. The average cost of attendance is $23,504. In-state tuition and fees are $9,848, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $25,966. The median debt for graduates is $19,500.
8. Tennessee Technological University
- Average Net Price: $14,426
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Median Earnings: $48,501
Tennessee Technological University admits 78.10% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $23,699. In-state tuition and fees are $9,802, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,834. Graduates have a median debt of $15,650.
9. Trevecca Nazarene University
- Average Net Price: $14,928
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Median Earnings: $49,378
Trevecca Nazarene University has an admission rate of 70.87%. The average cost of attendance is $36,993. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,200. The median debt for graduates is $18,744.
10. Austin Peay State University
- Average Net Price: $15,914
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Median Earnings: $44,301
Austin Peay State University admits 93.82% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $25,804. In-state tuition and fees are $8,431, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $13,975. Graduates typically have a median debt of $20,547.
11. Bryan College-Dayton
- Average Net Price: $16,085
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings: $54,434
Bryan College-Dayton does not provide data on admission rates. The average cost of attendance is $28,662. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,900. The median debt for graduates is $23,000.
12. Lincoln Memorial University
- Average Net Price: $18,859
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Median Earnings: $49,956
Lincoln Memorial University has an admission rate of 78.48%. The average cost of attendance is $37,976. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $25,180. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $20,000.
14. Cumberland University
- Average Net Price: $19,184
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Median Earnings: $57,687
Cumberland University admits 66.21% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $40,945. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,400. Graduates typically have a median debt of $17,952.
15. Johnson University
- Average Net Price: $20,947
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $40,596
Johnson University has an admission rate of 63.21%. The average cost of attendance is $30,442. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,274. The median debt for graduates is $21,500.
16. Tusculum University
- Average Net Price: $21,355
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Median Earnings: $44,367
Tusculum University admits 81.08% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $42,041. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,208. Graduates typically have a median debt of $23,250.
17. King University
- Average Net Price: $23,048
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $59,831
King University has an admission rate of 60.80%. The average cost of attendance is $44,974. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,784. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $22,750.
18. Lipscomb University
- Average Net Price: $26,070
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings: $55,541
Lipscomb University has an admission rate of 71.12%. The average cost of attendance is $51,502. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,152. The median debt for graduates is $19,500.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in TN reveal a diverse landscape of higher education in terms of affordability, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation earnings. Here are some key insights and comparisons:
Net Price Analysis:
- The University of Tennessee-Martin offers the lowest average net price at $11,952, while Lipscomb University has the highest at $26,070.
- Generally, public universities tend to have lower net prices compared to private institutions. For example, the average net price at the University of Tennessee-Martin is significantly lower than that at Christian Brothers University ($12,948) and Lipscomb University ($26,070).
Graduation and Retention Rates:
- King University stands out with the highest graduation rate at 71%, followed closely by Lincoln Memorial University (61%) and Cumberland University (63%).
- Bethel University has the lowest graduation rate at 35%, which might raise concerns for prospective students considering their investment.
Net Price vs. Tuition:
- In-state tuition fees are generally lower than out-of-state fees. For instance, the University of Memphis charges $10,056 for in-state students compared to $14,280 for out-of-state students.
- Middle Tennessee State University has a substantial difference between in-state ($9,232) and out-of-state ($28,264) tuition fees, making it much more affordable for Tennessee residents.
Median Earnings vs. Net Price:
- Christian Brothers University, despite having a relatively high net price, offers substantial median earnings of $57,478, suggesting a strong return on investment.
- King University and Cumberland University also showcase high median earnings of $59,831 and $57,687, respectively, justifying their higher net prices.
Median Debt:
- Tennessee Technological University has the lowest median debt for graduates at $15,650, indicating less financial burden post-graduation.
- Christian Brothers University and Bethel University have higher median debts of $27,000 and $27,249, respectively, which may concern students wary of long-term debt.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition:
- Public universities generally offer more favorable tuition rates for in-state students. For example, East Tennessee State University charges $9,674 for in-state students versus $13,484 for out-of-state students.
- Private institutions like Christian Brothers University and Lipscomb University charge the same tuition regardless of residency, which might be advantageous for out-of-state students.
Callouts for Low Median Debt:
- Tennessee Technological University and Trevecca Nazarene University both have median debts below $20,000 ($15,650 and $18,744, respectively), making them attractive options for students concerned about debt.
- Cumberland University also has a relatively low median debt of $17,952, despite a higher net price, indicating a potentially balanced cost-benefit scenario for its graduates.
Comparison Summary:
- Best Value: The University of Tennessee-Martin and Tennessee Technological University emerge as strong contenders for best value due to their low net prices and manageable median debts.
- High Earnings Potential: King University and Christian Brothers University stand out for high median earnings, which could justify their higher costs.
- Debt Considerations: Prospective students at Bethel University and Christian Brothers University should carefully consider the higher median debt when planning their finances.