Cheapest Linguistic Colleges in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University charges just $12,599 net for language studies programs, while private options can exceed $26,000 annually. The earnings gap tells a different story, with University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earning $30,771 compared to MTSU's $21,703. Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, creates demand for medical interpreters and multilingual patient services specialists. The state's growing international automotive presence, including Nissan's North American headquarters in Franklin, offers additional career paths for language professionals. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six of the seven cheapest programs offered at state institutions.

Programs

$12,599 – $26,815

Net Price Range

$26,156

Avg. Program Earnings

55.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs

Program rankings
#	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	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
6	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
7	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
8	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
9	Johnson University Knoxville, Tennessee	$20,303	$20,318	62.2%	63.2%
10	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
11	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Middle Tennessee State University's $12,599 net cost reflects Tennessee's strong public university funding and the Tennessee Promise program benefits. Union University's $26,815 represents typical private nonprofit pricing, though its 70.90% graduation rate suggests stronger completion support.

How do earnings compare across different price points in Tennessee?

University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $30,771 despite a mid-range $18,109 net cost, while MTSU's lowest-cost program yields $21,703. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers strong value at $12,817 with $27,476 earnings potential.

Does Tennessee's no-income-tax policy affect language studies affordability?

Tennessee residents keep more of their post-graduation income without state income tax deductions. This effectively increases the value proposition of programs like UT-Chattanooga, where $27,476 earnings face only federal taxation.

Where do Tennessee language studies graduates typically find employment?

Healthcare systems like HCA require medical interpreters and patient communication specialists across Tennessee's major cities. International companies including Nissan, Bridgestone, and various automotive suppliers in Nashville and surrounding areas hire multilingual professionals for global operations.

More Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Rankings

Best Value Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Tennessee Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Under $20,000 in Tennessee

All Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Tennessee

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.