Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee computer science programs deliver striking salary returns despite modest upfront costs. Strayer University leads earnings at $61,144 annually while charging just $13,920 in tuition, creating strong value for students. Public options like East Tennessee State University offer even lower barriers with $9,950 in-state tuition and $56,867 median earnings. The state's growing healthcare technology sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare in Nashville, drives strong demand for computing graduates. Tennessee's tax-free income policy further amplifies take-home pay advantages. Private institutions range from Le Moyne-Owen College at $8,992 net cost to Union University at $26,815, showing how students can find quality programs across budget levels. Graduation rates vary significantly from 24.7% at Le Moyne-Owen to 70.9% at Union University, making school selection important for career success. The combination of affordable education and solid earning potential positions Tennessee computing graduates well in a state experiencing rapid technology growth.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$51,729

Avg. Program Earnings

51.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$55,964	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
2	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$56,867	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
3	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$50,677	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
4	Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee	$18,466	$61,144	$13,920
5	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$33,993	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
6	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182		$17,935	36.7%
7	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131		$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
8	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815		$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
9	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874		$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
10	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879		$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
11	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986		$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
12	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399		$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
13	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992		$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
14	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082		$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
15	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135		$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
16	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610		$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
17	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292		$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
18	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896		$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
19	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661		$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
20	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096		$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strayer University stand out for computer science value in Tennessee?

Strayer University graduates earn $61,144 annually, the highest among Tennessee computer science programs. The school charges $13,920 in tuition with a net cost of $18,466 after aid. This creates one of the strongest salary-to-cost ratios available in the state. However, graduation rate data isn't available, so students should research completion rates carefully.

How do public universities compare to private schools for computer science costs?

Public universities offer significantly lower tuition, with East Tennessee State at $9,950 and Austin Peay at $8,675 for in-state students. Private schools range from $12,076 at Le Moyne-Owen College to $39,350 at Milligan University. Even after financial aid, public options typically cost $14,000-16,000 net compared to $14,000-27,000 for private institutions.

Is graduation rate a major concern for Tennessee computer science programs?

Graduation rates span from 24.7% at Le Moyne-Owen College to 70.9% at Union University, creating significant variation in student success. Most programs fall between 40-60% graduation rates, which is typical for computer science nationwide. Schools like Freed-Hardeman University achieve 68.4% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs. Students should prioritize programs with rates above 50% for better completion odds.

Does Tennessee's job market support computer science graduates effectively?

Tennessee's major employers like HCA Healthcare create steady demand for technology professionals in healthcare informatics and data systems. The state's automotive manufacturing sector also requires software engineers and automation specialists. Nashville's growing music technology industry adds another employment avenue. With no state income tax, graduates keep more of their $34,000-61,000 annual earnings compared to other states.

Where can students find the most affordable computer science education in Tennessee?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net cost at $8,992, though graduation rates are concerning at 24.7%. Austin Peay State University provides better value with $8,675 tuition and 44.5% graduation rate. Tennessee Wesleyan University costs $14,879 net with 43.6% graduation rate. Students should balance low costs against completion rates and career services support.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

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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.