Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College stands out as Tennessee's most affordable Social Work program with a net price of just $8,992, creating an unusual situation where a private college costs less than many public options. The 19 programs across the state show dramatic price variation, with costs ranging from under $9,000 to over $32,000. Social Work graduates earn between $27,995 and $32,569, creating strong job prospects in Tennessee's healthcare sector where major employers like HCA Healthcare provide extensive social services roles. Public universities like Tennessee State University and UT-Martin offer competitive alternatives at around $10,000 net cost. The state's lack of income tax means Social Work graduates keep more of their starting salaries, while Tennessee Promise helps students complete prerequisite coursework affordably at community colleges before transferring to four-year programs.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$30,180

Avg. Program Earnings

54.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992	$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
2	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$8,568	33.0%
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
4	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
5	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
6	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
7	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
8	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
9	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
10	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
11	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
12	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
13	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
14	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
15	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
16	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
17	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
18	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
19	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College so affordable for Social Work students?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net price at $8,992 despite being a private institution. The college maintains a 99.56% acceptance rate and provides substantial financial aid that brings costs below most public universities. However, the graduation rate stands at 24.70%, which students should weigh against the significant cost savings.

How do public university Social Work programs compare in Tennessee?

Tennessee's public universities cluster between $10,026 and $15,794 in net costs. Tennessee State University leads at $10,026 with graduates earning $29,141 annually. UT-Martin offers strong value at $10,299 with a 54.80% graduation rate and $30,554 in graduate earnings, representing one of the best returns on investment.

Is the University of Memphis worth the higher cost among public options?

The University of Memphis charges $13,253 net price but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $31,825 among Tennessee schools. The program maintains a 49.40% graduation rate and 94.60% acceptance rate. However, graduates carry higher debt at $31,250 compared to other public options averaging around $20,000.

What Social Work opportunities exist in Tennessee's healthcare industry?

Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare and numerous hospital systems, creates strong demand for Social Work graduates. The state's aging population and expansion of healthcare services drive job growth in medical social work roles. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means Social Work graduates earning $28,000-$32,000 keep more of their salaries compared to neighboring states.

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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.