Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Tennessee

Vanderbilt University charges $63,946 in tuition but delivers Computer Science graduates earning $102,409 annually, creating an unusual value proposition in Tennessee's tech market. The state's 15 Computer Science programs range from $8,568 at Tennessee State University to private colleges exceeding $50,000, yet net costs after aid tell a different story. Public universities like UT Martin offer net costs around $10,299 while maintaining solid career outcomes in a state where tech companies increasingly support Nashville's growing fintech sector and Memphis's logistics technology center. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their starting salaries, whether they earn $42,728 from Tennessee State or nearly $66,000 from UT Knoxville. The earnings gap between schools spans $59,681, making program selection particularly important for return on investment. Tennessee Promise covers community college costs, creating pathways into four-year Computer Science programs, while the state's automotive manufacturing boom in cities like Spring Hill and Smyrna drives demand for software engineers and data analysts.

Programs

$8,992 – $27,498

Net Price Range

$59,925

Avg. Program Earnings

54.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$102,409	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
2	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$47,260	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
3	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$57,318	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
4	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$54,192	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
5	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$42,728	$8,568	33.0%
6	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$59,688	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
7	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$48,823	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
8	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$65,387	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
9	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$61,516	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
10	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498		$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
11	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131		$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
12	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815		$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
13	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874		$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
14	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334		$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
15	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846		$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
16	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999		$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
17	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992		$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
18	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494		$11,790	17.0%
19	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182		$17,935	36.7%
20	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610		$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
21	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896		$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
22	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661		$34,700	46.4%	79.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $59,681 earnings difference between Tennessee Computer Science programs?

Vanderbilt graduates earn $102,409 compared to $42,728 from Tennessee State University, reflecting differences in research opportunities, industry connections, and alumni networks. UT Knoxville produces graduates earning $65,387 with a 73.5% graduation rate, while Tennessee Tech achieves $59,688 earnings with lower costs. The gap often correlates with graduation rates and admission selectivity rather than just tuition prices.

How do net costs compare to published tuition at Tennessee Computer Science schools?

Vanderbilt's $63,946 sticker price drops to $19,040 net cost after financial aid, making it surprisingly competitive with some public options. Public universities like UT Martin cost $10,299 net versus $10,208 in-state tuition, showing minimal aid impact. Rhodes College demonstrates similar patterns with $54,892 tuition but $25,060 net cost after substantial merit aid.

Does graduation rate predict Computer Science career earnings in Tennessee?

Schools with graduation rates above 70% typically produce higher-earning graduates, though exceptions exist. UT Knoxville's 73.5% graduation rate correlates with $65,387 earnings, while Vanderbilt's 92.7% rate supports $102,409 outcomes. However, Tennessee Tech achieves competitive $59,688 earnings despite a 54.2% graduation rate, suggesting program quality matters beyond completion statistics.

Where do Tennessee Computer Science graduates find the best job markets?

Nashville's fintech growth, including companies like Asurion and healthcare technology firms supporting HCA, creates strong demand for Computer Science graduates. Memphis offers logistics technology roles with FedEx and AutoZone, while Knoxville benefits from Oak Ridge National Laboratory partnerships. The state's automotive manufacturing in Smyrna and Spring Hill increasingly needs software engineers for connected vehicle technologies.

Is attending a private Computer Science program worth the extra cost in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt justifies its premium with $102,409 graduate earnings and extensive tech industry connections, though net costs of $19,040 make it more accessible than tuition suggests. Rhodes College graduates earn $61,516 with an 81.6% graduation rate, competing well with public alternatives. However, UT Knoxville offers strong value at $18,109 net cost with $65,387 earnings and lower student debt loads.

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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.