Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College stands out dramatically in Tennessee's computer science market with a net price of just $8,992, nearly $2,000 below the next cheapest option. This creates an unusual pattern where the most affordable program comes from a private nonprofit rather than a public university. The 20 schools offering Computer and Information Sciences programs span from this ultra-low cost to $32,096, reflecting Tennessee's mixed approach to technology education funding. Earnings potential varies significantly across programs, with graduates from Strayer University-Tennessee commanding the highest starting salaries at $61,144, while others begin closer to $34,000. Tennessee's technology sector benefits from major healthcare systems like HCA Healthcare, which relies heavily on health informatics specialists, plus the state's growing automotive manufacturing base that demands software engineers for smart vehicle systems. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college tuition, though most computer science programs require four-year degrees. With no state income tax, Tennessee graduates keep more of their starting salaries compared to neighboring states.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$51,729

Avg. Program Earnings

51.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, 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	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
3	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
4	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
5	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
6	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
7	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182	$17,935	36.7%
8	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
9	Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee	$18,466	$13,920
10	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
11	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
12	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
13	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
14	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
15	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
16	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
17	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
18	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
19	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
20	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Le Moyne-Owen College's unusually low $8,992 net price for computer science?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net cost among Tennessee's 20 computer science programs, though this comes with trade-offs in graduation rates and acceptance standards. The school accepts 99.56% of applicants but graduates only 24.70% of students. Christian Brothers University, the second cheapest at $10,896, maintains a much higher graduation rate of 56% while still keeping costs well below most private competitors.

How do public universities compare to private schools for computer science costs in Tennessee?

Austin Peay State University offers the most affordable public option with an $8,675 in-state tuition, resulting in a $14,846 net price. East Tennessee State University follows at $15,794 net price with stronger graduation rates of 49.90%. These public options significantly undercut most private schools, though several private nonprofits like Trevecca Nazarene manage competitive net prices through substantial financial aid packages.

Does higher cost correlate with better earnings in Tennessee computer science programs?

The data reveals no clear correlation between program cost and graduate earnings. Strayer University-Tennessee produces the highest-earning graduates at $61,144 despite a moderate $18,466 net price. Meanwhile, East Tennessee State University graduates earn $56,867 with a lower $15,794 net cost. Trevecca Nazarene University graduates start at $55,964 with competitive debt levels of just $18,750.

What graduation rates should students expect from Tennessee's cheapest computer science programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among affordable options, from Le Moyne-Owen's 24.70% to Freed-Hardeman University's impressive 68.40% at $20,082 net price. Austin Peay State University graduates 44.50% of students at $14,846 total cost. Students should weigh the 40+ percentage point difference in completion rates when comparing the lowest-cost programs against slightly more expensive alternatives.

Where do Tennessee computer science graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Tennessee's computer science graduates often join HCA Healthcare's technology divisions, supporting one of the nation's largest hospital networks headquartered in Nashville. The state's automotive sector, including Nissan and General Motors facilities, increasingly demands software engineers for vehicle automation systems. Starting salaries range from $33,993 to $61,144 depending on the program, with Tennessee's lack of state income tax providing graduates additional take-home income compared to neighboring states.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

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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.