Best Value Social Work Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee's Social Work programs reveal a striking cost divide that doesn't align with earning potential. Public universities like Tennessee State University deliver strong value at $10,026 net cost while private institutions like Belmont University charge $32,096 yet produce only marginally higher earnings of $32,569. The most compelling opportunity sits at Le Moyne-Owen College, where students pay just $8,992 for their degree. Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters, creates steady demand for social workers across hospital systems, community health centers, and mental health facilities statewide. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their $27,995 to $32,569 starting salaries. University of Memphis stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $31,825 while maintaining reasonable costs at $13,253. Tennessee Promise covers community college prerequisites, allowing students to reduce undergraduate debt before entering four-year Social Work programs. The 19 programs span from urban centers like Nashville and Memphis to smaller communities, reflecting the profession's broad geographic need throughout the state.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$30,180

Avg. Program Earnings

54.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$30,554	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
2	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$29,141	$8,568	33.0%
3	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$30,988	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
4	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$31,825	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
5	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$27,995	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
6	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$30,119	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
7	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$28,302	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
8	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$30,119	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
9	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$30,409	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
10	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$29,956	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
11	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$32,569	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%
12	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879		$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
13	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334		$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
14	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999		$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
15	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992		$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
16	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508		$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
17	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459		$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
18	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082		$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
19	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131		$39,350	60.3%	66.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University such good value for Social Work students?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 with in-state tuition of just $8,568. Graduates earn $29,141 annually, creating a strong return on investment. The Nashville location provides access to major healthcare systems and state social services agencies for internships and employment opportunities.

How do private Social Work programs in Tennessee compare on value?

Private programs cost significantly more, with Belmont University at $32,096 compared to public options under $16,000. However, Belmont delivers the highest graduate earnings at $32,569 and maintains a 71.7% graduation rate. Union University offers solid outcomes with a 70.9% graduation rate but costs $26,815 annually.

Does University of Memphis provide good job prospects for Social Work graduates?

University of Memphis produces graduates earning $31,825, the second-highest among Tennessee programs. The 94.6% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 49.4% graduation rate requires careful consideration. Memphis location offers urban social work opportunities across hospitals, schools, and community organizations.

Where can Social Work students find the most affordable education in Tennessee?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net cost at $8,992, though graduation rates of 24.7% present challenges. Tennessee State University provides better outcomes at $10,026 with stronger support systems. The Tennessee Promise program helps students complete prerequisites at community colleges before transferring to reduce total costs.

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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.