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2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

22 Schools Ranked
$24,869 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,028 Avg Student Debt*

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.

The Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking is one of many tools that Teaching Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 22 schools in Tennessee to see which programs offered the best value experiences for teaching students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

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 Schools in Tennessee

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
338 Total Awards
$19,834 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Tennessee Technological University to be the best value school for teaching students in Tennessee. Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 338 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Tennessee Tech University undergraduate students pay an average of $19,834 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $19,943 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $103, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Tennessee Tech University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,563 during the early year of their career.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Tennessee Tech University is ranked #5 for overall quality in Tennessee.

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220 Total Awards
$25,966 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga to be the best value school for teaching students in Tennessee. UT Chattanooga is a fairly large public school situated in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It awarded 220 degrees in 2020-2021.

UT Chattanooga undergraduate students pay an average of $25,966 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,246 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $162. Once they receive their degree, UT Chattanooga graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,162 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

#3

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
312 Total Awards
$28,264 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Middle Tennessee State University is a great place for teaching students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. Middle Tennessee State University is a large public school located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that handed out 312 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Middle Tennessee State University are $28,264 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,342 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $144. Once they receive their degree, Middle Tennessee State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,675 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Middle Tennessee State University

247 Total Awards
$15,952 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Tennessee - Martin. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Martin, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 247 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UT Martin are $15,952 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,559 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $149, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Martin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,647 during the early years of their career.

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#5

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
254 Total Awards
$31,320 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at Carson - Newman University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in Tennessee. Located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 254 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Carson - Newman are $31,320 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,992 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Carson - Newman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,134 during the early year of their career.

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#6

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee
118 Total Awards
$21,692 Average Tuition & Fees

Tennessee State University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 118 degrees in 2020-2021.

Tennessee State University undergraduate students pay an average of $21,692 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,529 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $203. Once they receive their degree, Tennessee State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,944 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Tennessee State University

#7

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
88 Total Awards
$25,412 Average Tuition & Fees

Cumberland University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. CU is located in Lebanon, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 88 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CU are $25,412 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,639 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,113 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Cumberland University

#8

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
438 Total Awards
$14,088 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Memphis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #8 on the list. UofM is a large public school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 438 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UofM are $14,088 per year. On average, students take out $28,159 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $147. During the early years of their career, UofM graduates make an average of $41,884 annually.

Read full report on University of Memphis

#9

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
76 Total Awards
$23,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Freed-Hardeman University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Freed-Hardeman University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Henderson, Tennessee that handed out 76 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at FHU are $23,300 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, FHU graduates make an average of $33,293 annually.

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#10

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
36 Total Awards
$23,210 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Adventist University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #10 on the list. Southern Adventist is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Collegedale, Tennessee. It awarded 36 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Southern Adventist are $23,210 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,595 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $375. Once they receive their degree, Southern Adventist graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,680 during the early year of their career.

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

Full Southern Adventist University Report

216 Total Awards
$31,664 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the large public school awarded 216 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UT Knoxville are $31,664 per year. On average, students take out $22,232 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $325 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Knoxville, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,189 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#12

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
161 Total Awards
$16,520 Average Tuition & Fees

Union University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Jackson, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 161 students in 2020-2021.

Union undergraduate students pay an average of $16,520 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $32,879 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $477, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Union graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,821 during the early year of their career.

Full Union University Report

#13

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
228 Total Awards
$13,975 Average Tuition & Fees

Austin Peay State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Austin Peay State University is a public institution located in Clarksville, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 228 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Austin Peay State University are $13,975 a year. On average, students take out $27,168 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Austin Peay State University graduates make an average of $36,908 annually.

Read full report on Austin Peay State University

#13

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
308 Total Awards
$26,898 Average Tuition & Fees

Trevecca Nazarene University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 308 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at TNU are $26,898 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,746 in student loans.After graduating from TNU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,373 during the early years of their career.

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#15

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
273 Total Awards
$12,740 Average Tuition & Fees

East Tennessee State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. ETSU is located in Johnson City, Tennessee and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 273 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at ETSU are $12,740 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,047 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $212.After graduating from ETSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,858 during the early years of their career.

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#16

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
342 Total Awards
$35,752 Average Tuition & Fees

Lipscomb University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Lipscomb University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 342 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Lipscomb are $35,752 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,213 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $216.After graduating from Lipscomb, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,759 during the early years of their career.

Lipscomb did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our Best Teaching Schools in Tennessee list.

Full Lipscomb University Report

#17

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee
46 Total Awards
$34,820 Average Tuition & Fees

Christian Brothers University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching 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 46 degrees in 2020-2021.

Christian Brothers undergraduate students pay an average of $34,820 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $34,104 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $199, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Christian Brothers, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,446 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Christian Brothers University

#18

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
162 Total Awards
$20,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Lee University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 162 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Lee University are $20,500 per year. On average, students take out $26,373 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $260 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Lee University graduates make an average of $32,791 annually.

Read full report on Lee University

#19

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee
37 Total Awards
$13,981 Average Tuition & Fees

Bethel University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. McKenzie, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 37 students in 2020-2021.

Bethel undergraduate students pay an average of $13,981 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,108 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Bethel graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,444 during the early year of their career.

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#20

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee
241 Total Awards
$24,210 Average Tuition & Fees

Lincoln Memorial University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Harrogate, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 241 students in 2020-2021.

LMU undergraduate students pay an average of $24,210 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,978 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $97 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from LMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,647 during the early years of their career.

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#21

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee
65 Total Awards
$38,430 Average Tuition & Fees

Belmont University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 65 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Belmont are $38,430 per year. On average, students take out $22,196 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $824. Once they receive their degree, Belmont graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,927 during the early year of their career.

Belmont also made our Best Teaching Schools in Tennessee list, coming in at #3.

Read full report on Belmont University

#22

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
346 Total Awards
$56,966 Average Tuition & Fees

Vanderbilt University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Vanderbilt University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 346 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Vanderbilt are $56,966 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,392 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Vanderbilt graduates make an average of $66,962 annually.

Vanderbilt also made our Best Teaching Schools in Tennessee list, coming in at #1.

Read full report on Vanderbilt University

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 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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