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2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee

50 Schools Ranked
$39,202 Average Earnings
$23,028 Avg Student Debt

With all the teaching programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best 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 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. This report analyzed 50 schools in Tennessee to see which ones were the most popular programs for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
438 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$28,159 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Memphis the most popular school in Tennessee for teaching students working on their degree. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the large public school handed out 438 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UofM accumulate an average of $28,159 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $147, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UofM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,884 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on University of Memphis

#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
346 Total Awards
$66,962 Average Earnings
$14,392 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 346 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Vanderbilt accumulate an average of $14,392 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 $644 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Vanderbilt graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $66,962 during the early year of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Vanderbilt University Report

#3

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
342 Total Awards
$47,759 Average Earnings
$26,213 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Lipscomb University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 342 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lipscomb accumulate an average of $26,213 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 $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. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read full report on Lipscomb University

#4

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
338 Total Awards
$40,563 Average Earnings
$19,943 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Tennessee Technological University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 338 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Tennessee Tech University accumulate an average of $19,943 in student debt by the time they complete 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. During the early years of their career, Tennessee Tech University graduates make an average of $40,563 annually. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Tennessee Technological University Report

#5

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
312 Total Awards
$38,675 Average Earnings
$24,342 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Middle Tennessee State University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Middle Tennessee State University is a large public school located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that handed out 312 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,342 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $144, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Middle Tennessee State University graduates make an average of $38,675 annually. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Middle Tennessee State University Report

#6

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
308 Total Awards
$46,373 Average Earnings
$26,746 Avg Student Debt

Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. TNU is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 308 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from TNU accumulate an average of $26,746 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TNU graduates make an average of $46,373 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on Trevecca Nazarene University

#7

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
273 Total Awards
$38,858 Average Earnings
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

East Tennessee State University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. ETSU is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 273 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,047 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $212, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, ETSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,858 during the early year of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
254 Total Awards
$41,134 Average Earnings
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

Carson - Newman University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and it awarded 254 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Carson - Newman graduates make an average of $41,134 annually. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Carson - Newman University

247 Total Awards
$35,647 Average Earnings
$24,559 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Martin came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Martin, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 247 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

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. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The University of Tennessee - Martin Report

#10

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee
241 Total Awards
$53,647 Average Earnings
$23,978 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln Memorial University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Lincoln Memorial University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Harrogate, Tennessee that handed out 241 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from LMU 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. During the early years of their career, LMU graduates make an average of $53,647 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

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#11

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
228 Total Awards
$36,908 Average Earnings
$27,168 Avg Student Debt

Austin Peay State University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and it awarded 228 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Austin Peay State University accumulate an average of $27,168 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 $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Austin Peay State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,908 during the early years of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee
220 Total Awards
$46,162 Average Earnings
$25,246 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. UT Chattanooga is a public institution located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 220 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UT Chattanooga 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.After graduating from UT Chattanooga, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,162 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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216 Total Awards
$44,189 Average Earnings
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. UT Knoxville is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 216 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,232 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $325. Once they receive their degree, UT Knoxville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,189 during the early year of their career. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#14

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
162 Total Awards
$32,791 Average Earnings
$26,373 Avg Student Debt

Lee University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #14 on the list. Lee University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Cleveland, Tennessee. It awarded 162 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lee University accumulate an average of $26,373 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 $260 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lee University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,791 during the early years of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lee University

#15

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
161 Total Awards
$57,821 Average Earnings
$32,879 Avg Student Debt

Union University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 161 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,879 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $477 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Union graduates make an average of $57,821 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full Union University Report

#16

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee
118 Total Awards
$41,944 Average Earnings
$30,529 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #16 on the list. Tennessee State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 118 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,529 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $203, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Tennessee State University Report

#17

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee
116 Total Awards
$40,249 Average Earnings
$25,521 Avg Student Debt

Tusculum University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Tusculum is located in Greeneville, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 116 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $25,521 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Tusculum graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,249 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tusculum University

#18

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
88 Total Awards
$41,113 Average Earnings
$19,639 Avg Student Debt

Cumberland University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Tennessee ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Lebanon, Tennessee, and it awarded 88 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,639 in student loans. During the early years of their career, CU graduates make an average of $41,113 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Cumberland University Report

#19

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
76 Total Awards
$33,293 Average Earnings
$22,617 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Freed-Hardeman University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 76 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FHU accumulate an average of $22,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, FHU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,293 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee
65 Total Awards
$43,927 Average Earnings
$22,196 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Belmont University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Belmont is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 65 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,196 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $824, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Belmont, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,927 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Read full report on Belmont University

#21

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee
46 Total Awards
$53,446 Average Earnings
$34,104 Avg Student Debt

Christian Brothers University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. 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.

Degree recipients from Christian Brothers accumulate an average of $34,104 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 $199. Once they receive their degree, Christian Brothers graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,446 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Read More…

#22

Motlow State Community College

Tullahoma, Tennessee
42 Total Awards
$42,022 Average Earnings
$9,423 Avg Student Debt

Motlow State Community College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 42 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,423 in student loans.After graduating from Motlow, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,022 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Read More…

#22

Milligan University

Milligan College, Tennessee
42 Total Awards
$44,692 Average Earnings
$23,548 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Milligan University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Milligan College, Tennessee, and it awarded 42 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Milligan accumulate an average of $23,548 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Milligan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,692 during the early year of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Milligan University Report

#24

King University

Bristol, Tennessee
41 Total Awards
$40,581 Average Earnings
$29,018 Avg Student Debt

King University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #24 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Bristol, Tennessee, and it awarded 41 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,018 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from King, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,581 during the early years of their career. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#25

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee
37 Total Awards
$57,444 Average Earnings
$33,108 Avg Student Debt

Bethel University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in McKenzie, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 37 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bethel accumulate an average of $33,108 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Bethel graduates make an average of $57,444 annually. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bethel University

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 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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