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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee mathematics programs reveal stark earning differences, with Vanderbilt University graduates commanding $80,309 annually while East Tennessee State University graduates start at $29,685. The gap becomes even more pronounced when considering net costs: Tennessee State University students pay just $10,026 compared to University of the South's $27,498. Tennessee's mathematics graduates often find opportunities in the state's expanding healthcare analytics sector, particularly with HCA Healthcare's headquarters in Nashville driving demand for statistical modeling and data analysis roles. Public universities dominate the value proposition here, with six institutions offering net costs under $15,000. The University of Tennessee-Martin stands out with an exceptionally low $10,299 net cost and 54.8% graduation rate. Private institutions like Rhodes College and University of the South command premium prices but deliver graduation rates above 80%. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means mathematics graduates keep more of their earnings, making the state particularly attractive for early-career professionals entering fields like actuarial science, financial analysis, and data science roles supporting the region's automotive manufacturing and music industry analytics needs.
34
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$44,710
Avg. Program Earnings
53.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,040 $80,309 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
2 $13,253 $48,667 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
3 $12,599 $39,369 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $14,846 $35,810 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
5 $18,109 $34,420 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
6 $15,794 $29,685 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
7 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
8 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
9 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
10 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
11 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
12 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
13 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
14 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
15 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
16 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
17 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
18 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
19 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
20 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
21 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
22 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
23 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
24 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
25 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
26 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
27 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
28 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
29 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
30 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
31 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
32 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
33 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
34 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tennessee mathematics program offers the best return on investment?

Vanderbilt University delivers the highest earnings at $80,309 annually, though its $19,040 net cost creates a significant payback period. For pure value, Tennessee State University's $10,026 net cost provides the lowest barrier to entry, while University of Tennessee-Martin combines affordability at $10,299 with a solid 54.8% graduation rate. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans over $50,000 annually.

How do public versus private mathematics programs compare in Tennessee?

Public institutions dominate the affordability market, with net costs ranging from $10,026 to $18,109 compared to private schools spanning $14,879 to $27,498. However, private institutions like Rhodes College and University of the South achieve graduation rates above 80%, significantly higher than most public alternatives. Vanderbilt stands alone with its 92.7% graduation rate and $80,309 earning potential, justifying its premium positioning.

Does Tennessee's job market support mathematics graduates effectively?

Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, creates strong demand for mathematics graduates in analytics and actuarial roles. The state's automotive manufacturing presence in Middle Tennessee provides additional opportunities in quality control and operations research. With no state income tax, mathematics graduates retain more of their earnings, with the highest earners at Vanderbilt keeping significantly more of their $80,309 annual salary compared to graduates in other states.

What graduation rates should mathematics students expect in Tennessee?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across Tennessee mathematics programs, from Tennessee State University's 33% to Vanderbilt's strong 92.7%. Private institutions generally outperform public schools, with University of the South at 82.4% and Rhodes College at 81.6%. Among public options, University of Tennessee-Knoxville leads with 73.5%, while most regional universities hover between 44% and 55%.

Where can mathematics students find the most affordable programs in Tennessee?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026, followed closely by University of Tennessee-Martin at $10,299. University of Memphis provides excellent value at $13,253 with significantly higher earning potential of $48,667. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college costs, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year mathematics programs.

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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.