Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College stands out among Tennessee's chemistry programs with a net price of just $8,992, nearly $5,000 less than the next most affordable option at Tennessee State University ($10,026). This price gap reflects the significant variation in costs across the state's 20 chemistry programs, which range up to $20,082 annually. Tennessee's lack of a state income tax helps students stretch their budgets further, while the state's growing healthcare sector through companies like HCA Healthcare creates steady demand for chemistry graduates. The earnings data reveals notable variation too, from $26,585 at Austin Peay State University to $42,123 at the University of Memphis. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions. However, some private schools like Christian Brothers University maintain strong graduation rates of 56% despite higher sticker prices, showing that net costs after aid can level the playing field for chemistry students across different institution types.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$31,955

Avg. Program Earnings

53.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Chemistry 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	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
9	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
10	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
11	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
12	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
13	The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, Tennessee	$15,133	$10,506	35.7%	80.3%
14	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
15	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
16	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
17	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
18	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
19	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
20	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
21	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
22	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
23	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
24	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
25	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
26	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
27	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
28	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
29	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
30	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
31	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
32	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
33	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net price at $8,992, nearly $5,000 below Tennessee State University's $10,026. As a private nonprofit institution, it provides substantial financial aid that brings costs well below its $12,076 sticker price. The school accepts 99.56% of applicants, making it accessible for students seeking affordable chemistry education. However, prospective students should note the 24.70% graduation rate when weighing their options.

How do public university chemistry programs compare in cost across Tennessee?

Tennessee's public universities show remarkable consistency in in-state tuition, ranging from $8,568 at Tennessee State to $10,506 at UT Southern. Net prices vary more significantly, from $10,026 at Tennessee State to $15,794 at East Tennessee State University. Seven of the ten most affordable chemistry programs come from public institutions. The University of Tennessee-Martin offers particularly strong value with a net price of $10,299 and a solid 54.80% graduation rate.

Where do chemistry graduates earn the highest salaries in Tennessee?

University of Memphis chemistry graduates command the highest early-career salaries at $42,123, significantly above the state range. This represents a $15,538 premium over Austin Peay State graduates who earn $26,585. East Tennessee State University graduates fall in the middle at $29,685, while Tennessee Technological University graduates earn $28,212. The Memphis location likely contributes to higher salaries due to the city's medical and research facilities.

Is Christian Brothers University worth the higher cost for chemistry students?

Christian Brothers University carries a $37,300 sticker price but offers a net cost of $10,896 after aid, making it competitive with many public options. The school maintains a strong 56% graduation rate and accepts 87.46% of applicants. Located in Memphis, students benefit from proximity to research hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. The combination of strong outcomes and significant financial aid makes it a viable option despite the high published price.

Does Tennessee Promise affect chemistry program costs at community colleges?

Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition statewide, but chemistry students typically need to transfer to four-year institutions for bachelor's degrees. The program can significantly reduce total education costs by covering the first two years. Students can complete prerequisite courses through Tennessee Promise before transferring to universities like UT-Martin or Middle Tennessee State. This pathway can cut total chemistry degree costs by thousands of dollars compared to four-year enrollment from the start.

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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.