Cheapest Anthropology Colleges in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University offers anthropology students the lowest net cost at $12,599, while private colleges like Rhodes charge $25,060 despite both programs preparing graduates for Tennessee's growing healthcare sector. The $14,899 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects significant differences in financial aid packages. With Nashville's music industry and Memphis's logistics operations creating demand for cultural research professionals, Tennessee's eight anthropology programs serve graduates earning between $19,455 and $37,208 annually.

Programs

$12,599 – $27,498

Net Price Range

$26,095

Avg. Program Earnings

68.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Anthropology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
2	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
3	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
4	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
5	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
6	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
7	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
8	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,899 cost difference between Tennessee's cheapest and most expensive anthropology programs?

Middle Tennessee State University's $12,599 net cost reflects strong state funding and need-based aid, while The University of the South charges $27,498 despite having a sticker price of $53,698. Private colleges typically offer larger merit scholarships but start from higher base tuition rates.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive anthropology programs in Tennessee?

The most expensive programs achieve graduation rates above 80%, with Vanderbilt reaching 92.7% and The University of the South at 82.4%. In contrast, the three cheapest options graduate between 49.4% and 54% of students, though they serve different student populations with varying academic preparation.

Where do Tennessee anthropology graduates typically find employment given the state's economic focus?

Tennessee's healthcare industry, anchored by HCA Healthcare, employs anthropology graduates in patient experience and community health roles. The state's music industry in Nashville and logistics operations in Memphis also create opportunities for cultural researchers and market analysts earning $19,455 to $37,208 annually.

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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.