Cheapest Arts Colleges in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University delivers Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management education for just $12,599 net annually, making it the clear leader among Tennessee's 9 programs. The $19,497 gap between MTSU and second-place Trevecca Nazarene reflects the public-private divide in a state where music industry connections run deep through Nashville's entertainment sector. Graduates typically earn $26,933 to $31,486, positioning them well for careers in Tennessee's expanding media market that includes major record labels and live entertainment venues.

Programs

$12,599 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$29,210

Avg. Program Earnings

55.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management 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	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
3	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
4	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
5	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
6	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
7	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
8	Visible Music College Memphis, Tennessee	$26,181	$22,000	48.3%	20.4%
9	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Middle Tennessee State University the most affordable option?

MTSU charges $12,599 net annually compared to $32,096 at the most expensive program. As a public institution, MTSU benefits from state funding that keeps costs low while maintaining strong industry connections in nearby Nashville.

How do graduation rates vary among Tennessee's cheapest programs?

The top three most affordable schools show mixed results, with MTSU and Trevecca both graduating around 54% of students while Cumberland University graduates 47%. Bethel University has the lowest rate at 34.9% despite being relatively affordable at $21,803 net cost.

Is the earning potential worth the investment at these price points?

Graduates from the cheapest program at MTSU earn $26,933 annually with $21,500 in debt, while Belmont's $32,096 program produces $31,486 earners with slightly lower debt at $20,500. The $4,553 salary difference may justify the higher upfront costs for some students.

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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.