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NCAA Division I Colleges in Tennessee

12 schools in Tennessee. See our methodology.

Vanderbilt University stands apart from Tennessee's 11 other Division I colleges with a 92.7% graduation rate and $91,565 median earnings that dwarf competitors. While most state schools accept 70-90% of applicants, Vanderbilt admits just 6.7%. The contrast reflects Tennessee's educational divide between elite private institutions and accessible public options. State residents benefit from Tennessee Promise, which covers community college tuition, creating pathways to four-year programs. The University of Tennessee system anchors public higher education with campuses in Knoxville (28,763 students), Chattanooga, and Martin. Nashville hosts three Division I schools, capitalizing on the city's healthcare and music industry connections. HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's largest hospital operators, recruits heavily from local programs. Middle Tennessee State University enrolls 16,115 students at a $12,599 net price, making it accessible for working families. Tennessee's lack of state income tax helps students and graduates keep more earnings. Graduation rates vary dramatically from Tennessee State's 33% to Vanderbilt's peak performance. The automotive sector, including Nissan's Smyrna plant, provides engineering opportunities for Tennessee Tech graduates. Acceptance rates above 80% at most schools mean students have realistic admission chances. Net prices range from Tennessee State's $10,026 to Belmont's $32,096, reflecting both public funding and private positioning.
12
Schools
$16,558
Avg. Net Price
$53,003
Avg. Earnings
58.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Tennessee

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 7,143 $19,040 92.7% 6.7%
2 28,763 $18,109 73.5% 68.4%
3 16,115 $12,599 54.0% 72.5%
4 8,495 $14,207 54.2% 78.1%
5 9,878 $12,817 53.1% 82.7%
6 3,021 $25,610 68.7% 71.1%
7 6,498 $10,026 33.0%
8 4,600 $10,299 54.8% 88.4%
9 9,807 $15,794 49.9% 85.3%
10 13,645 $13,253 49.4% 94.6%
11 7,306 $32,096 71.7% 96.3%
12 7,365 $14,846 44.5% 93.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vanderbilt University different from other Tennessee colleges?

Vanderbilt accepts only 6.7% of applicants compared to 70-90% at most Tennessee schools. Graduates earn a median $91,565, significantly higher than the $42,730-$60,249 range at public universities. The 92.7% graduation rate leads all Tennessee Division I institutions.

How does Tennessee Promise affect college costs?

Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition, creating transfer pathways to four-year schools. Public universities like Tennessee State charge $10,026 net price while private Belmont costs $32,096. The program helps students start affordably before transferring.

Where do most Tennessee college students enroll?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville enrolls 28,763 students, making it the state's largest Division I school. Middle Tennessee State serves 16,115 students in Murfreesboro. These two public universities educate nearly 45,000 of Tennessee's Division I students combined.

Is graduation success consistent across Tennessee colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Tennessee State's 33% to Vanderbilt's 92.7%. Most public universities graduate 44-55% of students within six years. Private schools like Lipscomb (68.7%) and Belmont (71.7%) perform better than state institutions.

What career opportunities connect to Tennessee's college programs?

HCA Healthcare recruits from nursing and health programs statewide. Nashville's music industry draws Belmont graduates. Tennessee's automotive sector, including Nissan's Smyrna plant, hires engineering graduates. The state's lack of income tax benefits all working graduates.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Tennessee Cheapest Programs in Tennessee

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.