Cheapest Theological and Ministerial Studies Colleges in Tennessee

Mid-South Christian College stands out among Tennessee's theological programs with net costs of just $11,881, making seminary education accessible in a state where ministry opportunities span from Nashville's music industry chaplaincies to rural church leadership. The $20,215 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects varied institutional approaches, with public University of Tennessee Southern offering in-state tuition at $10,506 while private institutions like Belmont reach $32,096 net costs. Tennessee's lack of state income tax helps seminary graduates retain more of their starting salaries, which range from $25,194 to $32,925 across programs that serve the state's 4,000+ congregations and growing healthcare chaplaincy needs.

Programs

$11,881 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$29,060

Avg. Program Earnings

56.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Theological and Ministerial Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Mid-South Christian College Memphis, Tennessee	$11,881	$11,905	75.0%	100.0%
2	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
3	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
4	The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, Tennessee	$15,133	$10,506	35.7%	80.3%
5	American Baptist College Nashville, Tennessee	$19,294	$12,474	33.3%
6	Welch College Gallatin, Tennessee	$19,983	$20,796	61.4%
7	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
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	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
11	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mid-South Christian College the most affordable option for theological studies?

Mid-South Christian College offers net costs of $11,881 with a 100% acceptance rate and 75% graduation rate. The Memphis school keeps costs low while maintaining strong completion rates compared to many other private theological institutions in the state.

How do public and private theological programs compare in Tennessee pricing?

The University of Tennessee Southern offers the lowest in-state tuition at $10,506, though its net cost reaches $15,133. Private institutions range from $11,881 at Mid-South Christian College to $32,096 at Belmont University, with most falling between $14,000-$21,000 in net costs.

Is the graduation rate connected to program affordability in Tennessee?

The data shows mixed patterns, with affordable Mid-South Christian College achieving 75% graduation rates while similarly priced programs vary significantly. Freed-Hardeman University combines moderate costs of $20,082 with strong 68.4% completion rates, suggesting institutional support matters beyond price.

Where do Tennessee theological graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Tennessee's 4,000+ congregations provide traditional ministry roles, while the state's major healthcare systems like HCA offer chaplaincy positions. Graduates earning $25,194-$32,925 benefit from Tennessee's absence of state income tax, effectively increasing their take-home pay compared to other 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.