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Small Colleges in Tennessee

50 schools in Tennessee. See our methodology.

Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn $72,529 annually, making it the top earner among Tennessee's 60 small colleges despite its modest 673 enrollment and $13,401 net price. This reflects the state's healthcare dominance, with HCA Healthcare and other major medical systems driving demand for specialized training. Costs across these institutions range dramatically from $4,153 at Walters State Community College to $29,669 at Fortis Institute-Nashville. Graduation rates span equally wide territory, from 30.8% to 87.4%. The University of the South commands respect with 82.4% graduation rates and $64,911 median earnings, while highly selective Visible Music College accepts just 20.4% of applicants, tapping into Nashville's music industry. Tennessee Promise makes community college free for residents, helping explain why Walters State serves 3,781 students at rock-bottom costs. Small colleges here serve focused missions, from Bryan College-Dayton's Christian education to specialized technical training. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, whether they're healthcare workers from Baptist Health Sciences or music industry professionals from specialized programs. These 60 institutions collectively serve students seeking alternatives to large universities while maintaining strong connections to Tennessee's key industries and economic drivers.
50
Schools
$18,251
Avg. Net Price
$44,616
Avg. Earnings
47.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Tennessee

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 673 $13,401 53.8% 40.9%
2 311 $28,726 87.4%
3 815 $16,494 55.9%
4 1,598 $27,498 82.4% 52.3%
5 1,931 $25,060 81.6% 53.9%
6 55 $24,033 84.6%
7 261 $19,983 61.4%
8 1,637 $26,815 70.9% 52.6%
9 164 $26,181 48.3% 20.4%
10 703 $20,303 62.2% 63.2%
11 40 $22,721 50.0%
12 459 $15,323 47.4%
13 3,781 $4,153 36.0%
14 392 $29,669 51.8%
15 3,021 $25,610 68.7% 71.1%
16 1,800 $21,299 45.8%
17 3,203 $6,017 32.1%
18 2,673 $24,334 51.4% 65.8%
19 279 $27,789 58.4%
20 3,679 $4,576 30.8%
21 4,055 $10,421 28.7%
22 2,712 $20,399 60.7% 72.6%
23 2,053 $18,292 47.0% 66.2%
24 4,600 $10,299 54.8% 88.4%
25 4,214 $5,959 32.2%
26 48 $19,294 33.3%
27 1,244 $20,082 68.4% 91.2%
28 1,967 $6,183 29.0%
29 975 $23,508 46.4% 60.8%
30 1,923 $4,322 27.4%
31 1,697 $14,459 54.8% 70.9%
32 160 $19,772 30.8% 60.9%
33 1,487 $17,999 53.9% 78.5%
34 1,062 $27,603 63.9%
35 4,689 $5,702 21.9%
36 783 $21,131 60.3% 66.7%
37 4,931 $6,283 17.0%
38 2,211 $7,343 20.0%
39 832 $14,879 43.6% 60.7%
40 301 $24,118 31.6%
41 950 $26,135 43.5% 71.0%
42 953 $10,896 56.0% 87.5%
43 278 $23,591 35.5% 56.7%
44 763 $27,306
45 827 $15,133 35.7% 80.3%
46 391 $25,499 33.0%
47 1,028 $20,986 47.2% 69.5%
48 1,374 $18,661 46.4% 79.8%
49 1,671 $21,803 34.9% 88.8%
50 822 $14,494 17.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Baptist Health Sciences University the top earner?

Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn $72,529 annually, the highest among Tennessee small colleges. With 673 students and specialized healthcare programs, it connects directly to Tennessee's massive healthcare sector led by HCA Healthcare and other major medical systems throughout the state.

How selective are Tennessee's small colleges?

Acceptance rates range from 20.4% at Visible Music College to 71.1% at Lipscomb University. Most fall between 40-60%, with music and specialized technical programs typically more selective. The University of the South accepts 52.3% while Rhodes College admits 53.9%.

Is community college really free in Tennessee?

Tennessee Promise covers tuition and fees at community colleges for eligible residents. Walters State Community College costs just $4,153 net price with 3,781 students, serving as the largest and most affordable option among these 60 institutions.

What graduation rates can students expect?

Graduation rates span from 30.8% to 87.4% across these 60 colleges. Chattanooga College Medical Dental leads at 87.4%, while The University of the South reaches 82.4%. Technical and healthcare programs often show stronger completion rates than general liberal arts programs.

How do costs vary across Tennessee small colleges?

Net prices range from $4,153 at Walters State Community College to $29,669 at Fortis Institute-Nashville. Private colleges like Rhodes College ($25,060) and The University of the South ($27,498) fall in the middle range, with specialized programs commanding premium pricing.

Where do graduates find the best earning potential?

Healthcare programs lead earnings, with Baptist Health Sciences at $72,529 and Rhodes College at $66,651. The University of the South graduates earn $64,911. Music industry programs like Visible Music College show lower initial earnings at $35,933 but connect to Nashville's entertainment sector.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.