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Best Value History Colleges in Tennessee

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

The University of Tennessee-Martin delivers the state's most affordable History education at just $10,299 net cost, while graduates from The University of the South command the highest earnings at $37,568 annually. This $27,000 gap between the most affordable and most expensive programs reflects Tennessee's dual nature of accessible public education and elite private institutions. History graduates find strong opportunities in Tennessee's growing sectors, particularly with the state's healthcare giants like HCA Holdings, which values liberal arts skills for management roles, and Nashville's music industry, where historical research supports artist development and music publishing. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five schools offering net costs below $16,000, while private institutions like Vanderbilt achieve a 92.7% graduation rate despite higher costs. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, improving the real value proposition for History majors who often pursue careers in education, government, or cultural institutions.
36
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$29,266
Avg. Program Earnings
53.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,846 $36,938 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
2 $10,299 $25,281 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $12,599 $30,771 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $12,817 $26,739 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
5 $15,794 $32,213 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
6 $19,040 $33,993 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
7 $14,207 $24,035 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
8 $18,109 $28,816 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
9 $27,498 $37,568 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
10 $25,060 $29,685 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
11 $20,399 $23,649 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
12 $25,610 $21,508 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
13 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
14 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
15 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
16 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
17 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
18 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
19 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
20 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
21 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
22 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
23 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
24 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
25 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
26 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
27 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
28 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
29 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
30 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
31 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
32 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
33 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
34 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
35 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
36 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee's public universities such strong values for History majors?

Tennessee's public universities offer remarkably low net costs, with UT-Martin at $10,299 and Middle Tennessee State at $12,599. These schools maintain solid graduation rates between 44-55% while keeping student debt manageable at $15,750-$20,500. The Tennessee Promise program covering community college tuition allows students to complete general education requirements affordably before transferring.

How do private college outcomes compare to public universities for History graduates?

Private institutions show dramatically higher graduation rates, with Vanderbilt at 92.7% and The University of the South at 82.4% compared to public averages around 50%. However, private school graduates don't always earn proportionally more, with Lipscomb University graduates earning just $21,508 despite the school's $25,610 net cost. Only The University of the South justifies its premium with $37,568 in graduate earnings.

Does Vanderbilt's 6.67% acceptance rate make it worth considering for History majors?

Vanderbilt's extreme selectivity reflects its national reputation, but its $19,040 net cost represents excellent value for admitted students. The 92.7% graduation rate and strong alumni network provide significant advantages for History majors pursuing competitive graduate programs or careers. However, the low acceptance rate means most students should focus on more accessible options like UT-Knoxville with its 68.41% acceptance rate.

Where do Tennessee History graduates find the best career opportunities?

Nashville's music industry offers unique opportunities for History majors in archival work, artist research, and music publishing companies that need historical context for projects. Healthcare corporations like HCA Holdings value liberal arts graduates for management training programs. State government in Nashville and local tourism industries throughout Tennessee also provide steady employment for History graduates with starting salaries aligning with the $25,000-$30,000 range most schools produce.

What debt levels should History majors expect at Tennessee schools?

Most Tennessee public universities keep graduate debt between $15,750-$20,500, which remains manageable given typical History major earnings of $25,000-$32,000. Private schools show more variation, with Vanderbilt's low $16,514 average debt reflecting generous financial aid, while Rhodes College graduates carry $23,104 in debt. Students should target schools where debt doesn't exceed their first-year expected earnings.

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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.