Cheapest Biology Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the cheapest biology program in Tennessee at just $8,992 annually, while private schools like Christian Brothers University charge nearly four times more at $37,300. This $28,000 cost gap reveals stark differences in how students can pursue life science education across the state. Tennessee's healthcare industry, anchored by companies like HCA Healthcare, creates strong demand for biology graduates who often transition into medical fields or research roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with UT Martin and Tennessee State both under $10,300 net cost. The earnings picture varies widely too, from $23,538 at UT Martin to $28,478 at Middle Tennessee State University. Students benefit from Tennessee's lack of state income tax, keeping more of their starting salaries. Most programs maintain solid graduation rates above 50%, though some struggle with completion. The state's automotive manufacturing sector also provides unexpected opportunities for biology majors in quality control and environmental compliance roles.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$25,593

Avg. Program Earnings

53.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992	$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
2	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$8,568	33.0%
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
4	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
5	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
6	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
7	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
8	Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, Tennessee	$13,401	$13,846	53.8%	40.9%
9	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
10	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
11	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
12	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
13	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
14	The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, Tennessee	$15,133	$10,506	35.7%	80.3%
15	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
16	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
17	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
18	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
19	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
20	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
21	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
22	Welch College Gallatin, Tennessee	$19,983	$20,796	61.4%
23	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
24	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
25	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
26	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
27	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
28	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
29	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
30	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
31	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
32	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
33	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
34	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
35	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
36	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College's biology program so affordable compared to other Tennessee schools?

Le Moyne-Owen College charges just $8,992 net annually for biology students, making it the most affordable option in the state. As a private nonprofit in Memphis, the college likely provides substantial financial aid to achieve this low net price. The school maintains a 99.56% acceptance rate, indicating open access to education. However, prospective students should note the 24.70% graduation rate when considering this option.

How do public university costs compare to private schools for biology programs in Tennessee?

Public universities average around $10,000-15,000 net cost while private schools range from $8,992 to over $37,000. UT Martin costs $10,299 net with $10,208 in-state tuition, representing typical public pricing. Christian Brothers University charges $37,300 in-state tuition despite a $10,896 net cost, showing how private school aid packages work. Tennessee State University offers the best public value at $10,026 net cost with strong $28,381 graduate earnings.

What are the typical starting salaries for biology graduates from Tennessee universities?

Biology graduates earn between $23,538 and $28,478 depending on their university choice. Tennessee State University graduates command the highest salaries at $28,381, while UT Martin graduates start at $23,538. Middle Tennessee State University also produces well-paid graduates at $28,478 annually. These earnings reflect Tennessee's strong healthcare sector and the lack of state income tax, which effectively increases take-home pay.

Is student debt a major concern for biology majors at Tennessee colleges?

Student debt levels vary significantly, ranging from $15,500 at Tennessee Tech to $33,691 at Lane College. Most public universities keep debt reasonable, with UT Chattanooga at $19,500 and East Tennessee State at $19,625. Tennessee Tech offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio with just $15,500 average debt. Lane College presents the highest debt burden at $33,691, which could strain graduates earning typical biology salaries.

Where should students focus their applications for the best biology education value in Tennessee?

Tennessee State University and UT Martin offer the strongest combinations of low cost and solid outcomes for biology students. Tennessee State charges $10,026 net with 33% graduation rates and $28,381 graduate earnings. UT Martin costs $10,299 net but delivers 54.80% graduation rates, though earnings start lower at $23,538. Middle Tennessee State University provides another solid option at $12,599 net cost with 54% graduation rates and strong $28,478 earnings.

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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.