Cheapest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges in Tennessee

Christian Brothers University offers Tennessee's most affordable rhetoric and composition program at $10,896 net cost, nearly $15,000 less than the second-cheapest option. This dramatic price gap highlights the unusual economics of writing studies education in a state where healthcare giants like HCA and the Nashville music industry increasingly value skilled communicators for content marketing and corporate communications. The 10 programs range from $10,896 to $25,610, with East Tennessee State University providing the only public option at $15,794 net cost despite charging just $9,950 in-state tuition. Graduates across these programs earn around $28,055, reflecting entry-level opportunities in Tennessee's growing content creation and communications sectors.

Programs

$10,896 – $25,610

Net Price Range

$28,055

Avg. Program Earnings

52.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing 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	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
3	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
4	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
5	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
6	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
7	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
8	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
9	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
10	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christian Brothers University's program so much cheaper than other options?

Christian Brothers University offers the lowest net cost at $10,896, nearly $15,000 below Tennessee Wesleyan's $14,879. The Memphis school combines substantial institutional aid with a $37,300 sticker price, resulting in 87% acceptance rates and 56% graduation rates.

How does the public option compare to private alternatives?

East Tennessee State University charges $15,794 net cost despite a $9,950 in-state tuition, ranking third among all 10 programs. The Johnson City campus graduates nearly 50% of students and maintains 85% acceptance rates, competing directly with private schools on affordability.

Is there a significant earnings difference between these programs?

Available earnings data shows $28,055 across programs, suggesting similar entry-level outcomes regardless of school choice. This consistency indicates that Tennessee employers value writing skills equally, whether graduates attend the $10,896 program or the $25,610 option.

Where do graduation rates vary most among affordable programs?

Lipscomb University leads with 69% graduation rates at $25,610 net cost, while Tennessee Wesleyan graduates just 44% of students at $14,879. Lee University offers the best balance with 61% graduation rates at $20,399, suggesting stronger student support systems.

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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.