Cheapest Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Tennessee

The University of Tennessee-Martin delivers the state's most affordable Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program at just $10,299 net cost, while Vanderbilt University charges $19,040 despite its $63,946 sticker price through generous aid packages. This 85% cost difference reflects Tennessee's mix of accessible public education and elite private institutions. Graduates from these programs earn between $26,353 and $44,590, positioning them well for Tennessee's expanding healthcare sector where HCA Healthcare employs over 35,000 workers statewide. The interdisciplinary nature of these degrees proves particularly valuable in Nashville's music industry, where professionals blend business, technology, and creative skills. Middle Tennessee State University offers strong value at $12,599 net cost with graduates earning $29,350 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four of the five cheapest programs coming from state institutions that benefit from Tennessee's commitment to accessible higher education.

Programs

$10,299 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$33,759

Avg. Program Earnings

55.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 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	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
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	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
6	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
7	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
8	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
9	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
10	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
11	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
12	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
13	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
14	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
15	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
16	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
17	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
18	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
19	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
20	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Vanderbilt's surprisingly low net cost for interdisciplinary studies?

Vanderbilt meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, bringing its $63,946 sticker price down to $19,040 average net cost. The university's $6.9 billion endowment funds substantial aid packages, with graduates carrying just $12,000 in average debt compared to $27,000 at University of Memphis. This makes Vanderbilt competitive with many public options despite its private status.

How do graduation rates vary among Tennessee's affordable interdisciplinary programs?

Graduation rates span from 17% at Lane College to 92.7% at Vanderbilt University, showing dramatic quality differences. UT-Knoxville achieves a solid 73.5% rate while charging $18,109 net cost. Middle Tennessee State University graduates 54% of students at just $12,599, making it a strong value choice for degree completion.

Is the earnings gap significant between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UT-Knoxville graduates earn $26,353 annually despite the university's strong reputation, while Freed-Hardeman graduates command $36,668 at double the cost. Vanderbilt leads at $41,007 in early-career earnings. The $14,654 earnings spread suggests program quality and networking opportunities matter beyond just cost considerations.

Does Tennessee's job market favor interdisciplinary graduates?

Tennessee's economy blends healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and entertainment industries, creating demand for versatile graduates. HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters values employees who understand both business and healthcare systems. The state's music industry particularly rewards interdisciplinary skills combining technology, business, and creative expertise that these programs develop.

Where do acceptance rates create the most competitive admission processes?

Vanderbilt accepts just 6.67% of applicants, making it highly selective despite strong financial aid. Tennessee Wesleyan accepts 60.74% while maintaining decent outcomes with graduates earning $36,560. Most public universities accept 70-95% of applicants, providing accessible pathways to interdisciplinary education for Tennessee residents.

More Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 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.