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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Tennessee

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Le Moyne-Owen College charges just $8,992 net for teacher education programs, making it Tennessee's most affordable option by a significant margin. The next closest competitor, UT-Martin, costs $10,299 net, creating a substantial $1,307 gap between the top two programs. Tennessee's teacher shortage crisis has intensified demand for qualified educators, particularly in Memphis and Nashville metropolitan areas where districts compete for talent. The state's 20 teacher education programs show remarkable cost variation, with private institutions like Christian Brothers University posting net prices near $11,000 despite sticker prices of $37,300. Public universities generally offer better value, with UT-Martin delivering a 54.80% graduation rate at just over $10,000 net cost. Middle Tennessee State produces graduates earning $31,133 annually, reflecting the state's competitive teacher salary structure. Tennessee's economy, anchored by healthcare giant HCA and automotive manufacturing, creates varied teaching opportunities beyond traditional classroom roles. The Tennessee Promise program covers community college costs, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year teacher preparation programs.
29
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$36,020
Avg. Program Earnings
52.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
2 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
4 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
8 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
9 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
11 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
12 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
13 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
14 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
15 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
16 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
17 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
18 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
19 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
20 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
21 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
22 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
23 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
24 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
25 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
26 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
27 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
28 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
29 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College's teacher education program so affordable?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net price at $8,992 for teacher education students in Tennessee. The Memphis-based institution accepts 99.56% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective teachers. However, the school's 24.70% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support services and program completion strategies before enrolling.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for teacher education costs?

Public universities like UT-Martin charge $10,299 net compared to private institutions that range from $10,896 to $18,661 net. UT-Martin delivers strong value with a 54.80% graduation rate and 88.44% acceptance rate. Christian Brothers University, despite a $37,300 sticker price, offers competitive net pricing at $10,896 through substantial financial aid packages.

What earning potential can Tennessee teacher education graduates expect?

Teacher education graduates earn between $28,598 and $37,568 annually according to available data. Middle Tennessee State graduates earn $31,133 while Cumberland University graduates start at $28,598. Carson-Newman University produces the highest earners at $36,110, though graduates carry $24,861 in average debt.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among Tennessee teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span from 17% at Lane College to 73.50% at UT-Knoxville, showing dramatic variation across programs. UT-Knoxville leads with the highest completion rate despite charging $18,109 net. Bryan College-Dayton achieves a solid 55.90% graduation rate, while several programs cluster around 50-55% completion rates.

Where should students focus their applications for the best teacher education value?

UT-Martin offers strong value at $10,299 net with a 54.80% graduation rate and high acceptance rate of 88.44%. Middle Tennessee State provides solid outcomes with $31,133 graduate earnings and reasonable debt levels. Students should avoid programs with graduation rates below 40% unless they have strong academic preparation and 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.