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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the state's most affordable nursing education at just $10,026 net cost, while Christian Brothers University nursing graduates command the highest starting salaries at $67,660. This $57,634 earnings gap between the top and bottom performers reflects the varied pathways into Tennessee's healthcare sector, where HCA Healthcare alone employs thousands of nurses across its hospital network. The state's nursing programs span from Memphis's medical corridor to rural campuses like Tennessee Southern in Pulaski, where graduates earn $47,650 annually. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six of the top ten schools offering in-state tuition under $11,000. Private institutions like Baptist Health Sciences University charge significantly more but maintain direct hospital partnerships for clinical rotations. Tennessee's nursing graduates enter a market shaped by major health systems, medical device manufacturing, and the state's growing population of retirees requiring specialized care.
31
Programs
$10,026 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$54,753
Avg. Program Earnings
52.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,896 $67,660 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
2 $10,026 $58,673 $8,568 33.0%
3 $10,299 $58,549 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $13,253 $58,968 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
5 $13,401 $59,463 $13,846 53.8% 40.9%
6 $12,599 $55,061 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
7 $12,817 $53,556 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
8 $14,459 $57,318 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
9 $14,846 $56,214 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $14,207 $51,907 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
11 $14,879 $50,401 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
12 $15,794 $51,712 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
13 $15,133 $47,650 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
14 $18,292 $56,415 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
15 $17,182 $51,482 $17,935 36.7%
16 $18,109 $52,584 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
17 $20,082 $55,061 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
18 $18,661 $50,499 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
19 $17,999 $47,863 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
20 $23,508 $57,995 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
21 $21,131 $49,840 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
22 $27,306 $63,749 $16,400
23 $24,334 $53,579 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
24 $26,815 $58,673 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
25 $25,610 $53,080 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
26 $22,874 $45,361 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
27 $32,096 $55,026 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
28 $25,266 55.9%
29 $18,466 $13,920
30 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
31 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University the best value for nursing students?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 while maintaining a respectable graduate salary of $58,673. The Nashville campus provides access to major medical centers including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and TriStar Health facilities. Students graduate with moderate debt levels of $24,124, making loan repayment manageable on a nursing salary.

How do Christian Brothers University nursing graduates earn $20,000 more than the state average?

Christian Brothers University nursing graduates earn $67,660 annually, reflecting the program's connections to Memphis's medical district and specialized training opportunities. The private Catholic institution maintains partnerships with major healthcare employers including Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care. Despite higher tuition, the net cost of $10,896 remains competitive due to generous financial aid packages.

Is the University of Tennessee system worth the investment for nursing students?

UT system campuses offer solid nursing programs with varying value propositions across three locations. UT Martin provides the best system value at $10,299 net cost with $58,549 graduate earnings and an 88% acceptance rate. UT Chattanooga graduates earn $53,556 but carry lower debt loads at $18,740, while Memphis campus students benefit from urban clinical opportunities despite higher net costs.

Does Baptist Health Sciences University justify its higher costs through specialized training?

Baptist Health Sciences University charges $13,401 net cost but provides direct access to Baptist Memorial's hospital system for clinical rotations. Graduates earn $59,463 annually with a 54% graduation rate, though student debt averages $34,895. The specialized healthcare focus and hospital partnerships create clear pathways to employment within the Baptist Memorial network across the Mid-South region.

Where do Tennessee nursing programs provide the best debt-to-earnings ratio?

Tennessee Technological University offers the strongest debt-to-earnings ratio with graduates earning $51,907 while carrying just $15,625 in average debt. UT Chattanooga also provides excellent value with $53,556 earnings against $18,740 debt. East Tennessee State University rounds out the top performers with $51,712 salaries and $19,558 debt loads in the Johnson City medical market.

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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.