Cheapest Physics Colleges in Tennessee

Christian Brothers University delivers the state's most affordable Physics education at $10,896 net cost, despite being a private institution that typically charges much more than public alternatives. This unusual pricing puts CBU below every public university on the list, including Middle Tennessee State at $12,599 and UT-Chattanooga at $12,817. The gap between cheapest and most expensive reaches $21,164, with most private schools clustering above $20,000 annually. Tennessee's automotive manufacturing sector, including Nissan's Smyrna plant and General Motors' Spring Hill facility, creates demand for physics graduates who understand materials science and engineering applications. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with five of the seven cheapest programs coming from state schools. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Lane College's concerning 17% to Vanderbilt's strong 92.7%. Most physics programs in Tennessee maintain acceptance rates above 70%, making admission accessible for qualified students. The Tennessee Promise program covering community college costs helps students complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year physics programs.

Programs

$10,896 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$44,747

Avg. Program Earnings

58.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Physics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
2	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
3	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
4	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
5	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
6	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
7	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
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	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
11	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
12	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
13	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
14	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
15	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
16	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
17	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
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 makes Christian Brothers University's Physics program so affordable compared to other private schools?

Christian Brothers University offers its Physics program at a net cost of $10,896, making it more affordable than all public universities in Tennessee except the in-state tuition rates. This represents significant financial aid packaging that reduces the $37,300 sticker price by over $26,000. The school maintains an 87.46% acceptance rate while delivering better affordability than state institutions like Middle Tennessee State at $12,599.

How do graduation rates affect the value of affordable Physics programs in Tennessee?

Graduation rates span from Lane College's troubling 17% to Vanderbilt's outstanding 92.7%, creating a massive quality gap among options. Middle Tennessee State delivers solid value with a 54% graduation rate at $12,599 net cost, while UT-Knoxville achieves 73.5% completion at $18,109. Students should weigh affordability against completion likelihood, as a cheaper program means nothing without degree completion.

Does Tennessee's automotive industry create specific opportunities for Physics graduates?

Tennessee hosts major automotive manufacturers including Nissan's Smyrna plant and General Motors' Spring Hill facility, both requiring physics expertise in materials science and engineering applications. The state's automotive sector values graduates who understand mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials properties. Middle Tennessee State graduates earn $44,747 annually, reflecting the solid job market for physics-trained professionals in manufacturing and engineering roles.

What explains the huge cost difference between public and private Physics programs?

The price range spans from $10,896 to over $32,000, with most private schools charging significantly more than public alternatives. Public universities like UT-Chattanooga ($12,817) and University of Memphis ($13,253) offer substantial savings over private options like Rhodes College ($25,060). However, Christian Brothers University breaks this pattern by offering competitive pricing at $10,896 through generous financial aid.

Where should students start their Physics education to minimize debt in Tennessee?

Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition completely, allowing students to complete prerequisites debt-free before transferring to four-year programs. Starting at community college then transferring to affordable options like Middle Tennessee State ($12,599) or Tennessee Tech ($14,207) maximizes savings. UT-Knoxville graduates carry average debt of $23,500, making the community college pathway even more valuable for budget-conscious students.

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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.