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Best Value Teaching Master's Degree Schools in Tennessee

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2023 Best Value Teaching Master's Degree Schools in Tennessee

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

20 Schools Ranked
$20,440 Avg Tuition & Fees*

There are so many teaching programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Best Value Teaching Master's Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. This report analyzed 20 schools in Tennessee to see which ones offered the best value master's degree programs for teaching students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Teaching Master's Degree Schools in Tennessee

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
56 Total Awards
$7,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Cumberland University the best value school in Tennessee for teaching students working on their master’s degree. Cumberland University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lebanon, Tennessee that handed out 56 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CU graduate students pay an average of $7,500 in tuition and fees each year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at CU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 15% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#2

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
19 Total Awards
$11,880 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Southern Adventist University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Southern Adventist is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Collegedale, Tennessee. It awarded 19 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Southern Adventist are $11,880 per year.

Online graduate courses are available at Southern Adventist, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 71% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Southern Adventist not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #2 on our Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list.

Full Southern Adventist University Report

#3

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
33 Total Awards
$10,980 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent master’s degree programs at Freed-Hardeman University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in Tennessee. FHU is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Henderson, Tennessee. It awarded 33 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

FHU graduate students pay an average of $10,980 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since FHU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 87% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

FHU not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list.

Read full report on Freed-Hardeman University

#4

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
136 Total Awards
$9,632 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Carson - Newman University is a great place for teaching students working on their master’s degree who want the most bang for their educational buck. Carson - Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 136 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Carson - Newman graduate students pay an average of $9,632 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Carson - Newman. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

56 Total Awards
$18,538 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. This fairly large public school is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it awarded 56 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at UT Chattanooga are $18,538 a year.

Online graduate courses are available at UT Chattanooga, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

164 Total Awards
$16,838 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Martin landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value master’s degree teaching programs. UT Martin is located in Martin, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 164 master’s degrees to qualified students.

UT Martin graduate students pay an average of $16,838 in tuition and fees each year.

Online graduate courses are available at UT Martin, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Full The University of Tennessee - Martin Report

#7

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
96 Total Awards
$20,702 Average Tuition & Fees

Tennessee Technological University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value master’s degree teaching programs. Tennessee Technological University is a medium-sized public school located in Cookeville, Tennessee that handed out 96 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Tennessee Tech University graduate students pay an average of $20,702 in tuition and fees each year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Tennessee Tech University. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Tennessee Technological University Report

#8

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
102 Total Awards
$27,432 Average Tuition & Fees

Middle Tennessee State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Middle Tennessee State University is a large public school situated in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It awarded 102 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Middle Tennessee State University graduate students pay an average of $27,432 in tuition and fees each year.

Middle Tennessee State University does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 57% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#9

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
101 Total Awards
$11,666 Average Tuition & Fees

Union University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value master’s degree teaching programs. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 101 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Union are $11,666 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Union. During the 2019-2020 year, about 70% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Union University

148 Total Awards
$31,798 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. UT Knoxville is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 148 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at UT Knoxville are $31,798 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UT Knoxville. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 36% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

UT Knoxville also made our Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list, coming in at #4.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#11

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
185 Total Awards
$14,544 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Memphis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #11 on the list. UofM is a public institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 185 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at UofM are $14,544 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UofM. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee
37 Total Awards
$13,463 Average Tuition & Fees

Christian Brothers University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Christian Brothers is a private not-for-profit institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 37 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Christian Brothers graduate students pay an average of $13,463 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that Christian Brothers does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 55% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Christian Brothers University Report

#13

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
119 Total Awards
$25,856 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #13, East Tennessee State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their master’s degree. ETSU is a public institution located in Johnson City, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 119 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

ETSU graduate students pay an average of $25,856 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ETSU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 49% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on East Tennessee State University

#14

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
160 Total Awards
$14,827 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #14, Austin Peay State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their master’s degree. Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 160 master’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Austin Peay State University are $14,827 a year.

One thing to take note of is that Austin Peay State University does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 85% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Austin Peay State University

#15

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
101 Total Awards
$11,585 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #15, Trevecca Nazarene University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their master’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 101 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at TNU are $11,585 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at TNU. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 66% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Trevecca Nazarene University

#16

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
186 Total Awards
$17,100 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Lipscomb University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their master’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 186 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Lipscomb are $17,100 per year.

One thing to take note of is that Lipscomb does offer online graduate classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 31% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Lipscomb did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list.

Full Lipscomb University Report

#17

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee
33 Total Awards
$22,836 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, Tennessee State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for teaching students working on their master’s degree. Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 33 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Tennessee State University graduate students pay an average of $22,836 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Tennessee State University. In 2019-2020 about 41% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Tennessee State University

#18

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
63 Total Awards
$15,050 Average Tuition & Fees

Lee University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value master’s degree teaching programs. Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 63 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Lee University graduate students pay an average of $15,050 in tuition and fees each year.

Lee University does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 25% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lee University

#19

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee
76 Total Awards
$20,104 Average Tuition & Fees

Lincoln Memorial University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. LMU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Harrogate, Tennessee. It awarded 76 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at LMU are $20,104 a year.

LMU does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 13% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Lincoln Memorial University Report

#20

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
241 Total Awards
$52,162 Average Tuition & Fees

Vanderbilt University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value master’s degree teaching programs. Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 241 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Vanderbilt are $52,162 a year.

Vanderbilt does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 67% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt also took the #1 spot in our Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in Tennessee rankings.

Full Vanderbilt University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 20 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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