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Suburban Colleges in Tennessee

7 schools in Tennessee. See our methodology.

Welch College in Gallatin achieves the highest graduation rate among Tennessee's suburban colleges at 61.4%, despite serving just 261 students. This small Christian college mirrors a broader pattern across the state's suburban campuses, where smaller institutions often outperform their larger counterparts in student completion rates. Southern Adventist University leads earnings potential with graduates earning $53,723 annually, reflecting Tennessee's healthcare industry growth driven by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters. Community colleges like Pellissippi State offer the most affordable path at $5,252 net cost, supported by Tennessee Promise funding that covers tuition and fees. These seven suburban institutions serve over 16,000 students with acceptance rates ranging from 65.8% to 79.8%, providing accessible pathways into Tennessee's tax-free economy where automotive manufacturing and music industry jobs continue expanding around suburban communities.
7
Schools
$17,261
Avg. Net Price
$45,688
Avg. Earnings
45.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Tennessee

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 261 $19,983 61.4%
2 Suburb-Large 2,673 $24,334 51.4%
3 Suburb-Large 6,391 $5,252 27.7%
4 Suburb-Large 5,139 $10,477 24.3%
5 Suburb-Midsize 783 $21,131 60.3%
6 Suburb-Large 1,028 $20,986 47.2%
7 Suburb-Small 1,374 $18,661 46.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Welch College stand out among Tennessee suburban colleges?

Welch College achieves a 61.4% graduation rate with only 261 students, making it the smallest yet most successful completion-wise among suburban Tennessee colleges. This Christian institution in Gallatin focuses on biblical studies and education, producing graduates who earn $42,198 annually.

How do community college costs compare to private options in suburban Tennessee?

Pellissippi State costs $5,252 annually compared to Southern Adventist University's $24,334, nearly five times more expensive. Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition, making schools like Volunteer State ($10,477) extremely affordable for suburban students seeking career training.

Is Southern Adventist University worth its higher price tag?

Southern Adventist graduates earn $53,723 annually, about $15,000 more than community college graduates. With a 51.4% graduation rate and 65.8% acceptance rate among 2,673 students, it offers strong returns despite the $24,334 net cost.

Does school size affect graduation rates in suburban Tennessee colleges?

Smaller schools show higher completion rates. Welch College (261 students) graduates 61.4% while Volunteer State (5,139 students) graduates only 24.3%. Milligan University with 783 students achieves 60.3%, suggesting smaller class sizes improve student success.

Where do suburban Tennessee college graduates find the best job opportunities?

Tennessee's healthcare sector, led by HCA Healthcare, provides strong employment for health science graduates. The automotive industry around suburban areas and Nashville's music business offer additional career paths. No state income tax helps graduates keep more earnings.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.