Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Tennessee

Art students in Tennessee face a stark divide between public and private options, with Le Moyne-Owen College offering the lowest net cost at $8,992 compared to some private schools reaching $20,000 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with Tennessee State University providing strong value at $10,026 net cost while maintaining 33% graduation rates. The state's music industry centered in Nashville creates natural connections for studio arts graduates, though earnings data reveals significant variation from $18,429 at Austin Peay to $42,682 for Vanderbilt alumni. Tennessee's lack of state income tax helps stretch art graduate salaries further than similar wages elsewhere. Most public programs maintain acceptance rates above 70%, making admission accessible even at flagship institutions like UT-Knoxville, which costs $18,109 net despite its research status.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$27,710

Avg. Program Earnings

56.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Fine and Studio Arts 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	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
4	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
5	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
6	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
7	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
8	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
9	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
10	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
11	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
12	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
13	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
14	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
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	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
19	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
20	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
21	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
22	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
23	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
24	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
25	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Tennessee's cheapest and most expensive Fine Arts programs?

Le Moyne-Owen College costs $8,992 net annually while some private institutions exceed $20,000, creating a $11,000+ gap. Public universities like Tennessee State ($10,026) and Middle Tennessee State ($12,599) maintain lower costs through state funding. Private colleges often provide substantial aid packages, but their base tuition of $25,000-$63,946 creates higher net costs even after discounts.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive Fine Arts programs in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt leads with 92.7% graduation rates at $19,040 net cost, while budget option Le Moyne-Owen shows 24.7% completion rates. Mid-range public schools like Middle Tennessee State (54%) and UT-Chattanooga (53.1%) perform similarly to more expensive private options. The correlation between cost and completion rates varies significantly, with some $15,000+ programs showing sub-50% graduation rates.

What career earnings can Fine Arts graduates expect from Tennessee programs?

Graduate earnings span from $18,429 at Austin Peay State to $42,682 from Vanderbilt, showing the importance of program selection. Tennessee State graduates earn $29,685 annually despite the program's low $10,026 cost, providing strong return on investment. Most reporting schools show earnings between $19,000-$32,000, reflecting typical entry-level creative industry wages in Tennessee's market.

Is financial aid making private Fine Arts programs competitive with public options in Tennessee?

Christian Brothers University demonstrates significant aid impact, reducing costs from $37,300 list price to $10,896 net cost through institutional support. However, most private schools still cost $15,000-$20,000 net compared to public options under $13,000. Tennessee Promise covers community college costs, but four-year programs require careful financial planning regardless of sector.

Where do Tennessee's public universities rank for Fine Arts program accessibility and outcomes?

University of Memphis offers the highest acceptance rate at 94.6% among major public programs, though graduation rates remain at 49.4%. UT-Knoxville provides the best balance with 68.41% acceptance, 73.5% graduation rates, and $18,109 net cost. Middle Tennessee State and UT-Chattanooga both maintain 50%+ graduation rates while keeping net costs below $13,000 annually.

More Fine and Studio Arts 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.