Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Tennessee

Christian Brothers University makes Design and Applied Arts surprisingly affordable with a net price of just $10,896, despite its $37,300 sticker price. This stark difference from typical private costs reflects how financial aid can reshape college economics across Tennessee's 14 programs. Public options like Middle Tennessee State follow at $12,599, while the University of Tennessee-Knoxville commands the highest net price at $32,096 but delivers the strongest graduate earnings at $38,829. Nashville's music industry and Tennessee's growing automotive design sector create natural career pathways for graduates, though earnings range from $28,236 to $38,829 depending on program focus.

Programs

$10,896 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$33,595

Avg. Program Earnings

56.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Design and Applied Arts 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	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
4	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
5	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
6	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
7	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
8	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
9	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
10	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
11	Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, Tennessee	$23,591	$20,350	35.5%	56.7%
12	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
13	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
14	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can financial aid reduce private college costs in Tennessee?

Christian Brothers University demonstrates the power of aid packages, reducing costs from $37,300 to $10,896 for the average student. This $26,404 reduction makes private education competitive with public options like Middle Tennessee State at $12,599.

What earnings can Design and Applied Arts graduates expect?

Graduate salaries span from $28,236 at Nossi College of Art and Design to $38,829 at UT-Knoxville. East Tennessee State and Belmont graduates earn around $32,925, showing how program reputation affects career outcomes.

Is Nossi College worth considering despite low graduation rates?

Nossi's 35.5% graduation rate raises concerns, especially with $42,250 in typical debt. However, its specialized art focus and Nashville location provide direct industry connections that traditional universities may lack.

Does attending UT-Knoxville justify the higher costs?

UT-Knoxville's $18,109 net price delivers a 73.5% graduation rate and $38,829 average earnings. This combination of completion success and earning potential often justifies the premium over cheaper alternatives.

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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.