Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College stands out with Tennessee's lowest Computer Science net price at $8,992, though its 24.70% graduation rate raises important questions about completion support. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt commands a $102,409 median salary for graduates despite charging $63,946 in tuition, creating a stark $54,000 price gap between the most and least expensive options. Tennessee's tech market benefits from major healthcare systems like HCA and growing automotive manufacturing, providing Computer Science graduates with opportunities beyond traditional software roles. Public universities like Tennessee State ($10,026 net) and UT-Martin ($10,299 net) offer middle-ground pricing with significantly better graduation rates than the cheapest option. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, whether they start at $42,728 from Tennessee State or reach six figures from Vanderbilt. With 15 programs spanning net costs from under $9,000 to over $19,000, students can find affordable paths into computing careers across Tennessee's expanding tech sector.

Programs

$8,992 – $27,498

Net Price Range

$59,925

Avg. Program Earnings

54.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Computer Science 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	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
10	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
11	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182	$17,935	36.7%
12	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
13	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
14	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
15	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
16	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
17	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
18	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
19	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
20	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
21	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
22	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College's Computer Science program so affordable?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the state's lowest net price at $8,992, making it extremely accessible financially. However, the program has a concerning 24.70% graduation rate and 99.56% acceptance rate, suggesting limited selectivity and completion support. The low cost comes with trade-offs in outcomes that students should carefully consider. Private nonprofit status allows for significant financial aid, but academic support systems may need evaluation.

How do Tennessee public universities compare for Computer Science value?

Tennessee State University provides the best public value at $10,026 net cost with a $42,728 median salary, though graduation rates reach only 33%. UT-Martin offers stronger academics with a 54.80% graduation rate for $10,299 net cost and $47,260 earnings. Tennessee Tech delivers the highest public university salary at $59,688 for $14,207 net cost. Public options generally provide better completion rates than the cheapest private alternatives.

Is Vanderbilt University worth its high Computer Science tuition?

Vanderbilt charges $63,946 in tuition but delivers a $102,409 median salary, the highest in Tennessee. The 92.70% graduation rate and 6.67% acceptance rate reflect academic rigor and selectivity. Graduates earn nearly $40,000 more than the state average, potentially justifying the investment. The program attracts top students who benefit from elite networking and career placement opportunities.

Does Tennessee's job market support Computer Science careers?

Tennessee offers strong tech opportunities through healthcare giants like HCA, expanding automotive manufacturing, and Nashville's growing tech scene. The state's zero income tax policy means graduates keep more of their earnings across all salary levels. Major employers seek programmers for healthcare systems, manufacturing automation, and financial services. Geographic diversity from Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville provides multiple career hubs for Computer Science professionals.

Where can students find the best graduation rates for affordable programs?

UT-Knoxville offers the highest graduation rate at 73.50% for $18,109 net cost, providing strong completion odds. Tennessee Tech achieves 54.20% graduation rates for $14,207, combining reasonable costs with decent completion. Christian Brothers University reaches 56% graduation for $10,896 net cost, offering private education value. Students should weigh low costs against completion rates when choosing programs.

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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.