Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Tennessee

Christian Brothers University offers Tennessee's most affordable Religion/Religious Studies degree with a net price of just $10,896, despite its private status and $37,300 sticker price. This creates an unusual situation where a private Catholic institution undercuts major public universities like UT-Knoxville by over $7,000 annually. Tennessee's religious market spans from Nashville's Southern Baptist Convention headquarters to the state's growing interfaith organizations serving varied communities. The 19 programs range dramatically in cost, with the most expensive reaching $32,096 net price. Vanderbilt achieves a 92.7% graduation rate while maintaining need-based aid that brings costs down to $19,040 for qualifying students. Several church-affiliated colleges cluster around the $20,000 mark, reflecting Tennessee's strong tradition of faith-based higher education that prepares students for ministry roles, nonprofit leadership, and community service positions throughout the Southeast.

Programs

$10,896 – $32,096

Net Price Range

58.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Religion/Religious Studies 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	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
4	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
5	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
6	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
7	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
8	Johnson University Knoxville, Tennessee	$20,303	$20,318	62.2%	63.2%
9	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
10	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
11	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
12	Williamson Christian College Franklin, Tennessee	$22,721	$15,010	50.0%
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	Visible Music College Memphis, Tennessee	$26,181	$22,000	48.3%	20.4%
17	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
18	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
19	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christian Brothers University so affordable compared to other private religious colleges?

Christian Brothers University's net price of $10,896 reflects substantial institutional aid that brings costs below many public universities. The Memphis-based Catholic institution accepts 87.46% of applicants while maintaining a 56% graduation rate. This aggressive aid strategy makes private religious education accessible to Tennessee students who might otherwise choose public options.

How do graduation rates vary among Tennessee's religious studies programs?

Vanderbilt leads with an strong 92.7% graduation rate, followed by Rhodes College at 81.6% and UT-Knoxville at 73.5%. However, several faith-based institutions struggle with retention, including Lane College at just 17% and Bethel University at 34.9%. The wide variation suggests that institutional support systems matter significantly for student success in religious studies programs.

Does attending a public university guarantee lower costs for religious studies in Tennessee?

Not necessarily. While Middle Tennessee State University offers the lowest in-state tuition at $9,506, its net price of $12,599 exceeds Christian Brothers University's $10,896. UT-Knoxville costs $18,109 net despite strong state funding. This pattern shows that private college financial aid can sometimes beat public university pricing for Tennessee residents.

Where do most Tennessee religious studies graduates find employment opportunities?

Tennessee's religious sector includes major denominational headquarters in Nashville, hospital chaplaincy programs linked to HCA Healthcare, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. The absence of state income tax makes Tennessee attractive for ministry professionals and religious nonprofit workers. Many graduates also pursue advanced theological education at institutions like Vanderbilt Divinity School or serve rural congregations across Appalachian Tennessee.

More Religion/Religious Studies Rankings

Best Value Religion/Religious Studies in Tennessee Religion/Religious Studies Under $20,000 in Tennessee

All Religion/Religious Studies Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Religion/Religious Studies in Tennessee

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