Cheapest Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee's finance education market reveals stark contrasts that mirror the state's varied economic sectors. While The University of Tennessee-Martin delivers a finance degree for just $10,299 annually, Christian Brothers University follows closely at $10,896 despite its private status and $37,300 sticker price. This affordability proves important in Tennessee's evolving financial sector, where healthcare giant HCA Healthcare and the state's tax-advantaged environment create growing demand for finance professionals. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, with UT-Knoxville graduates commanding $50,105 compared to Tennessee Tech's $36,992, despite Tech's lower debt burden of $16,087. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, claiming eight of the ten cheapest programs, while graduation rates vary dramatically from Austin Peay's 44.5% to UT-Knoxville's 73.5%. Tennessee's unique position as an income tax-free state attracts financial firms seeking operational advantages, creating opportunities for graduates across corporate finance, banking, and the state's significant healthcare finance sector.

Programs

$10,299 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$42,388

Avg. Program Earnings

56.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
2	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
3	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
4	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
5	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
6	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
7	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
8	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
9	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
10	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
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	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
16	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
17	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
18	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
19	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
20	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
21	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Tennessee-Martin the most affordable finance program in Tennessee?

UT-Martin achieves the lowest net cost at $10,299 through a combination of modest in-state tuition ($10,208) and strong financial aid packaging. The university maintains an 88.44% acceptance rate while delivering solid career outcomes with graduates earning $42,682 annually. Despite its rural location, Martin provides access to Tennessee's broader financial sector while keeping educational costs minimal.

How do earnings compare between Tennessee's most and least expensive finance programs?

UT-Knoxville graduates earn the highest salaries at $50,105 despite the program costing $18,109 annually, demonstrating strong return on investment. In contrast, Tennessee Tech offers the lowest graduate earnings at $36,992 but costs just $14,207 with significantly lower debt levels of $16,087. The earnings range of $13,113 between programs reflects varying career placement strength and alumni networks.

Is Christian Brothers University's private finance program competitively priced?

Christian Brothers achieves remarkable affordability with a $10,896 net cost despite its $37,300 sticker price, making it the second-cheapest option statewide. The Memphis location provides access to major employers including FedEx and International Paper's corporate finance operations. With a 56% graduation rate and 87.46% acceptance rate, CBU offers private education benefits at public university pricing.

Does Tennessee's tax structure benefit finance students and graduates?

Tennessee's absence of state income tax creates significant advantages for finance professionals, effectively increasing take-home pay compared to other states. This tax structure attracts financial firms seeking operational cost savings, expanding job opportunities for graduates. The state's growing healthcare finance sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, provides specialized career paths that leverage Tennessee's business-friendly environment.

Where do graduation rates vary most significantly among Tennessee finance programs?

Graduation rates span from Austin Peay's 44.5% to UT-Knoxville's 73.5%, a 29-point difference that significantly impacts degree completion likelihood. Freed-Hardeman University achieves the highest rate at 68.4% among affordable options, while several public universities cluster around 54%. These variations often correlate with admission selectivity and student support resources rather than program cost.

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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.