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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Tennessee

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Tennessee State University delivers the most affordable business education in the state at just $10,026 net cost, while Lipscomb University graduates earn $58,221 annually despite charging $25,610. This $15,584 cost gap between the lowest and highest-priced programs reflects Tennessee's dual education model of accessible public universities and premium private institutions. The state's business graduates enter a job market shaped by healthcare giant HCA, Nashville's music industry, and expanding automotive manufacturing from companies like Nissan and General Motors. Earnings vary significantly across programs, with UT-Knoxville graduates commanding $55,590 compared to East Tennessee State's $32,747. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means business graduates keep more of their earnings, while the Tennessee Promise program provides additional pathways for students to start their business education affordably. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Middle Tennessee State offering particularly strong returns at $39,051 in earnings for a $12,599 investment.
38
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$38,130
Avg. Program Earnings
51.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $39,369 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,896 $36,560 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
3 $10,299 $34,526 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $12,599 $39,051 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $18,109 $55,590 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
6 $12,817 $39,022 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
7 $14,459 $43,798 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
8 $13,253 $39,261 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
9 $14,207 $37,856 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
10 $14,879 $39,009 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
11 $14,846 $33,993 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
12 $25,610 $58,221 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
13 $17,182 $38,829 $17,935 36.7%
14 $15,794 $32,747 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
15 $18,661 $36,745 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
16 $25,060 $48,667 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
17 $20,082 $38,289 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
18 $20,399 $38,122 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
19 $21,803 $39,950 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
20 $23,508 $42,682 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
21 $22,874 $40,346 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
22 $22,721 $38,871 $15,010 50.0%
23 $14,494 $23,340 $11,790 17.0%
24 $20,986 $32,711 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
25 $32,096 $47,327 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
26 $24,334 $34,530 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
27 $21,131 $26,353 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
28 $26,815 $28,960 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
29 $20,303 $21,052 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
30 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
31 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
32 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
33 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
34 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
35 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
36 $25,266 55.9%
37 $18,466 $13,920
38 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $47,474 earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

Lipscomb University graduates earn $58,221 annually while East Tennessee State graduates earn $32,747, creating Tennessee's largest earnings spread. UT-Knoxville follows closely at $55,590, reflecting these schools' stronger alumni networks and corporate recruiting relationships. The higher-earning programs also maintain more selective admissions, with Lipscomb accepting 71% of applicants compared to East Tennessee State's 85% acceptance rate.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Tennessee?

UT-Knoxville leads with a 73.5% graduation rate at $18,109 net cost, while Tennessee State graduates just 33% of students despite its $10,026 affordability. Christian Brothers University achieves a 56% graduation rate for only $10,896, representing the best balance of cost and completion. Lower-cost programs generally struggle with retention, though Middle Tennessee State breaks this pattern with 54% graduation rates at moderate pricing.

Does Tennessee's no-income-tax policy affect business program value?

Tennessee business graduates keep their full salaries without state income tax deductions, effectively increasing real earnings by 5-6% compared to neighboring states. This tax advantage particularly benefits higher earners like Lipscomb and UT-Knoxville graduates who would face steeper tax brackets elsewhere. The policy makes Tennessee programs more attractive for students planning to stay in-state after graduation, improving long-term return on investment.

Where do Tennessee business graduates find the most opportunities?

Nashville's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, provides extensive management opportunities for business graduates throughout the state. The automotive industry offers supply chain and operations roles, with major plants in Smyrna, Spring Hill, and Chattanooga. Music industry business roles concentrate in Nashville, while Memphis provides logistics and distribution management positions due to FedEx's global center operations.

What debt levels should students expect from Tennessee business programs?

Average debt ranges from $17,122 at Tennessee Tech to $27,968 at Tennessee State, with most programs falling between $18,000-$22,000. Private schools like Christian Brothers and Trevecca maintain debt levels comparable to public universities despite higher sticker prices. UT-Knoxville graduates carry $19,500 in debt but earn $55,590, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios of roughly 35%.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.