16 Economics Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
|
$12,599 | $9,506 | 54.0% | 72.5% |
| 2 |
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
|
$12,817 | $10,144 | 53.1% | 82.7% |
| 3 |
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
|
$13,253 | $10,344 | 49.4% | 94.6% |
| 4 |
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
|
$14,207 | $10,084 | 54.2% | 78.1% |
| 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 |
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
|
$18,466 | $13,920 | ||
| 8 |
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
|
$18,661 | $34,700 | 46.4% | 79.8% |
| 9 |
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
|
$19,040 | $63,946 | 92.7% | 6.7% |
| 10 |
Maryville College
Maryville, Tennessee
|
$20,986 | $38,514 | 47.2% | 69.5% |
| 11 |
Milligan University
Milligan, Tennessee
|
$21,131 | $39,350 | 60.3% | 66.7% |
| 12 |
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, Tennessee
|
$24,334 | $25,590 | 51.4% | 65.8% |
| 13 |
Rhodes College
Memphis, Tennessee
|
$25,060 | $54,892 | 81.6% | 53.9% |
| 14 |
Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
|
$26,815 | $38,450 | 70.9% | 52.6% |
| 15 |
The University of the South
Sewanee, Tennessee
|
$27,498 | $53,698 | 82.4% | 52.3% |
| 16 |
Belmont University
Nashville, Tennessee
|
$32,096 | $41,320 | 71.7% | 96.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tennessee public universities so affordable for Economics students?
Tennessee's public universities benefit from strong state funding and the Tennessee Promise program covering community college costs. Middle Tennessee State offers Economics at $12,599 net cost with a 72.54% acceptance rate, while UT-Knoxville provides the highest public earnings at $43,426 for just $18,109 net cost. The state's commitment to accessible education keeps public tuition low across all 16 Economics programs. Public options represent 6 of the 10 most affordable programs in the state.
How do private college costs compare to potential earnings?
Vanderbilt graduates earn $72,134 annually with only $12,000 in debt despite $63,946 tuition, showing strong financial aid support. Rhodes College graduates earn $46,087 with $19,500 debt at $25,060 net cost, offering solid return on investment. University of the South graduates earn $47,595 but carry $23,250 debt at $27,498 net cost. Private institutions often provide generous aid packages that significantly reduce actual costs below sticker prices.
Does Tennessee's job market support Economics graduates?
Tennessee's varied economy supports Economics careers across healthcare management, automotive finance, and music industry business roles. HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, offers extensive opportunities in healthcare economics and finance. The state's automotive manufacturing sector requires supply chain analysts and financial planners. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more earnings, with the highest earners at Vanderbilt benefiting from an effective tax advantage worth over $3,500 annually.
What graduation rates can Economics students expect?
Graduation rates vary significantly from 46.4% at Carson-Newman to 92.7% at Vanderbilt, correlating with selectivity and resources. Public universities average around 54% graduation rates, with UT-Knoxville leading at 73.5% among state schools. Private institutions generally achieve higher completion rates, with Union University at 70.9% and University of the South at 82.4%. Students should consider graduation rates alongside cost when evaluating program value and likelihood of degree completion.
More Economics Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.