Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Tennessee

Christian Brothers University in Memphis offers the state's most affordable business education with net costs at just $10,896, despite a sticker price of $37,300. This private Catholic institution bridges the gap between affordability and career preparation in a state where business graduates earn between $32,925 and $61,516 annually. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means business professionals keep more of their earnings, while major employers like HCA Healthcare and the automotive manufacturing sector in Middle Tennessee create strong demand for business graduates. The $21,200 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Tennessee's mix of public universities and private colleges serving different market segments.

Programs

$10,896 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$45,438

Avg. Program Earnings

52.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
2	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
3	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
4	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
5	Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee	$18,466	$13,920
6	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
7	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
8	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
9	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
10	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christian Brothers University so affordable despite being private?

Christian Brothers University reduces costs through institutional aid that brings the net price to $10,896, even though tuition lists at $37,300. The 87.46% acceptance rate suggests the school works to make business education accessible to a broad range of students.

How do public university costs compare to private options in Tennessee?

Middle Tennessee State University charges just $9,506 in-state tuition with a $12,599 net price, while Austin Peay State runs $8,675 in-state. These public options cost significantly less than most private schools, though some private institutions offer competitive aid packages.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduate earnings?

Bethel University shows the highest earnings at $61,516 despite moderate costs of $21,803. Conversely, Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn $32,925 while paying $17,999 net, suggesting earnings depend more on career paths than program price.

Does graduation rate correlate with affordability in these programs?

Union University achieves a 70.90% graduation rate at $26,815 net cost, while Austin Peay graduates 44.50% of students at just $14,846. The data suggests that higher-priced programs often provide more support structures that improve completion rates.

More Business/Commerce, General Rankings

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All Business/Commerce, General Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Business/Commerce, General in Tennessee

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.