Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Tennessee 2025

There are many affordable options for students who live in Tennessee and want to earn their bachelor's degree online. Both public and private universities offer flexible, asynchronous online degree programs to working adults and non-traditional learners.

Online colleges allow students to learn from anywhere and at their own pace, helping them earn degrees in business, nursing, and information systems. Students based in Tennessee can select the program they feel best suits their educational and financial needs.

Below, we've highlighted some of the cheapest online bachelor's degrees. We'll share information about tuition and financial aid options for schools in Tennessee and answer FAQs regarding additional fees and payment plans.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Tennessee?

The average cost of earning an online bachelor's degree in Tennessee depends on multiple factors, including number of credit hours per semester, part-time versus full-time status, and area of study. In addition, program costs vary according to the university's status as a private or public institution and whether the student is a resident of the state where the university is based.

Out-of-state students typically pay more in tuition than in-state students. Still, many affordable online bachelor's programs exist for adult learners who want to further their education.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Tennessee

Do you want to enroll in an online program at an accredited university in Tennessee? Explore the list below to find the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in the state.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public university that offers 100% online bachelor's degree programs. Learners in this online program can earn degrees in computer science, criminal justice, marketing, management, political science, and more.

Although this online degree program allows students the flexibility to learn from anywhere, professors will generally require specific dates for tests and assignments to be completed.

Average in-state tuition: $577.70 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: Out-of-state e-rate (school does not provide specific number)

Financial aid: Accepts Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University offers 74 fully online bachelor's and master's degree programs in areas including business administration, journalism, psychology, and social work.

Depending on their residence, students completing coursework through this online program typically pay either $417 or $592 per credit hour. The university was one of Forbes' 2024 best online colleges in Tennessee.

Average in-state tuition: $417 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $592 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Memphis Global

The University of Memphis Global offers distance learning opportunities to working adults through online bachelor's and master's degree programs and graduate certificate programs.

Students can earn degrees in areas such as the humanities, healthcare, and information technology. The University of Memphis Global is just one of the online colleges that accept the Pell Grant along with other forms of federal financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: $517 per credit hour (TN eCampus tuition rate)

Average out-of-state tuition: $711 per credit hour (TN eCampus tuition rate)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers synchronous and asynchronous courses through its online degree programs designed to help working adults earn their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.

Vols Online offers over 70 fully online programs and boasts over 35 years of experience in distance education. Vols Online is among multiple online colleges that accept transfer credits earned at previous institutions.

Average in-state tuition: $490 (varies)

Average out-of-state tuition: $565 (varies)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga allows students to earn their college degree with fully online learning programs. Students may also opt to register for some courses on campus, if preferred. The university offers online courses in areas such as criminal justice, engineering technology management, and nursing via a registered nurse to Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN) program.

Credits previously earned at a community college or another university can be transferred and applied toward bachelor's degrees obtained via this program.

Average in-state tuition: $446 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $472 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Tennessee State University Global Online

Nashville-based Tennessee State University offers online education and degree options via its global online program. Through this distance learning program, students can earn bachelor's degrees in business, education, liberal arts, and the health sciences.

Besides undergraduate programs, the university also offers online master's degree programs. Financial aid, including scholarships, is available to students who wish to enroll in Tennessee State University's global online degree programs.

Average in-state tuition: $430 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $539 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Tennessee Tech University

Tennessee Tech University's online undergraduate program is geared toward non-traditional adult students. Freshmen over 21 who have not yet completed an undergraduate degree after finishing high school or obtaining their GED, as well as transfer students and students over 65, may benefit from this online learning program.

Tennessee Tech is among multiple online colleges with scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $490 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $630 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. East Tennessee University

East Tennessee University offers synchronous and asynchronous online courses to students who want to earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees. In addition to fully online courses, the university also offers mostly online programs with limited in-person meetings. Students who enroll in the university's online bachelor's degree program may study applied science, nursing, marketing, or sociology.

East Tennessee University is among the many online colleges with monthly payment plans to help students pay their tuition.

Average in-state tuition: $464 per credit hour (Tennessee residents), $493 per credit hour (for residents of bordering states such as Georgia and Kentucky)

Average out-of-state tuition: $532.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Johnson University

At Johnson University, students can earn their associate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees online. This private Christian university provides higher education at the affordable rate of $399 per credit hour and also offers financial aid. Johnson University offers degrees in areas such as business administration, intercultural commerce, and pastoral care and counseling.

In addition to its online degree programs, Johnson University welcomes high school students taking college classes for dual enrollment credit.

Average in-state tuition: $399 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $399 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Lipscomb University

Students can earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees through Lipscomb University's flexible, 100% online program. Areas of study include business leadership, data analytics, public administration, and technology management.

Lipscomb University is one of several cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA or other forms of financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: $550 per semester hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per semester hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our methodology for ranking schools is as follows:

• Accreditation: All schools included in this list are accredited by SACSCOC.
• Affordability: We concentrated on schools with tuition rates priced at $500 or less per credit hour. We also included schools that accept FAFSA or other forms of financial aid, such as federal or private loans.
• Program reputation and quality: We focused on top universities, including those that are ranked among the best online schools in Tennessee.
• Online format: We focused on schools that offer 100% online or mainly online degree programs.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Tennessee

Tennessee offers many opportunities to earn a degree via distance learning programs. Read on for answers to FAQs about fees, payment options, and more.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Tennessee?

Multiple schools in Tennessee offer online bachelor's degree programs at affordable rates. Among the cheapest are Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Johnson University, and Tennessee State University Global Online.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Submitting the FAFSA, applying for grants, institutional and external scholarships, or securing federal or private loans can lessen the overall cost of earning a bachelor's degree. Utilizing a college or university's payment plan and paying tuition in monthly or recurring installments can also help make earning a degree more affordable for learners.

Is Online College Worth It?

Online college may be beneficial for working adults, freshmen over 21 who have not previously completed a degree program, or other learners who are not able to earn a full-time degree in a traditional in-person setting. In addition, transfer students or learners who have previously completed a two-year associate degree may want to finish their bachelor's degree online. Adults who are looking for more affordable education options may also benefit from enrolling in online colleges.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Besides tuition, students enrolled in an online bachelor's degree program can expect to pay fees for technology and online learning. There may be variations in fees based on school, program, area of study, and number of credit hours per semester. The exact amount of fees may also vary depending on whether or not the student is a resident of the state where the college or university is based.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

If you're planning for your future and are eager to seek new educational opportunities, explore degree programs offered by Learn.org. Contact individual schools for more information.