Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Tennessee (2025)

The state of Tennessee offers an array of college degree programs that are completely affordable for the general public. Many of the institutions offer both on-campus and online programs at lower tuition costs.

With the increasing costs of college degrees, many individuals have become discouraged from seeking a higher education. However, the state of Tennessee has developed an endless number of programs that are reasonable for everyone.

Learn.org identifies the 10 cheapest colleges in Tennessee and helps to answer commonly asked questions about selecting a college in the state.

List of Cheap Colleges in Tennessee

The following list contains the 10 cheapest colleges in the state of Tennessee.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is considered to be among one of the most affordable universities in Tennessee. The university holds more than 125 undergraduate and 50 graduate degree programs.

The university offered the first registered apprenticeship for teaching in the entire country.

The college offers over 30 online degree programs, including:

• criminal justice
• general studies
• leadership science
• marketing
• political science
• public management

The online programs has a total of 370 full-time faculty members and the courses have an 18:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Undergraduate in-state tuition starts at $292 per credit hour and graduate out-of-state tuition begins at $523 per credit hour.

2. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a high research institution located in Nashville, TN. The university is fully accredited and offers plenty of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.

Along with their endless on-campus programs, the university has numerous online degree programs that are completely convenient and flexible.

In addition, the university also offers students the opportunity to study and learn in the evening or on weekends at the downtown Avon Williams Campus. TSU's in-state tuition is around $8,000 while out-of-state tuition is around $20,000 per academic year.

3. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is committed to preparing students to thrive in their chosen professions and industries. The university has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students and is considered to be the number one producer of graduates for the region.

The institution offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees of study that prepare students for high-demand careers. In addition, the university offers many online degree programs.

These programs include:

• communication
• information systems
• political science
• psychology
• sociology
• criminal justice

The university is one of the most affordable colleges in the state with in-state tuition costs around $10,000 each year.

4. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is another institution that values quality and affordability.

The university offers:

• 17 bachelor's degrees in more than 250 subjects
• master's degrees in 54 subjects
• doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines
• graduate certificate programs in 44 areas of study

The institution is committed to providing a success-driven education that allows students to meet their career and educational goals.

The range of their degree programs includes subjects in:

• arts and sciences
• communication and fine arts
• education
• health sciences
• liberal studies
• business and economics
• engineering

Along with their on-campus programs, students can also choose online formats for better flexibility and convenience.

5. Tennessee Tech University

Tennessee Tech University is another affordable university that is available to residents in Tennessee. The university is fully committed to preparing its graduates for a broad range of careers.

The university has around 10,000 students and offers degrees from eight academic schools and colleges:

• agriculture and human ecology
• arts and sciences
• business
• education
• engineering
• fine arts
• nursing

In-state students can expect their tuition to be around $5,000 each semester while out-of-state students' tuition is around $7,000 for the semester.

6. University of Tennessee at Martin

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers more than 150 academic areas of study and has more than 6,000 students who represent 42 states and 19 countries.

The institution offers a close-knit community and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. 85% of classes have fewer than 30 students.

The following degree programs are available:

• history
• computer science
• biological sciences
• engineering
• mathematics and statistics
• accounting
• psychology

The university also offers numerous scholarship and grant opportunities for students to take advantage of. In-state tuition and fees are around $10,000.

7. East Tennessee State University

ETSU is a widely-known institution that has nearly 14,000 students from 71 countries and all 50 states. The university offers 173 highly respected academic programs that are consistently nationally ranked.

Along with their on-campus programs, the university also offers plenty of online degree programs that are at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The online tuition costs are similar among undergraduate and graduate students. The tuition rates are around $10,000 for each year.

8. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga offers affordable programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The university's mission and values are centered around inspiring change and enlightening the community.

The institution has five separate colleges:

• arts and sciences
• business
• engineering and computer science
• health, education, and professional studies
• honors college

The five colleges make up 128 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs. The university also makes continuous efforts for all students to afford a college education. The in-state tuition is around $10,000 and $25,000 for out-of-state students.

9. Lane College

Lane College, like many other institutions, offers an endless number of affordable degree programs. The college has an average tuition rate of around $9,000 each year.

The college offers degree programs in:

• social and behavioral science
• liberal studies
• education
• natural science
• physical science

The entire college's mission is to provide top academic excellence through a student-centered and nurturing approach.

10. LeMoyne-Owen College

LeMoyne-Owen College is a four-year liberal arts college that provides a transformative experience for students who have a goal to succeed in their academic endeavors.

The college is fully accredited and offers a series of bachelor's and associate degree programs.

Some of these programs include:

• criminal justice
• education
• biology
• political science
• psychology

The college is considered to be one of the most affordable private institutions with an average tuition rate of around $8,000.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The average in-state college tuition in Tennessee is around $15,000 for the entire year. In addition to added fees and costs, an institution in Tennessee can cost anywhere between $30,000 to $35,000.

How To Make College Affordable

Students can use many different methods to make their education affordable. Whether taking courses on-campus or online, there are options available.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is the most common resource available for students who need financial assistance for their education. Once an application is filed, students can qualify for loans and grants that can be used to cover their costs.

The amount awarded depends on each student's financial situation and institution type. Students are responsible for repaying the loans while grants are considered free money.

Scholarships

Scholarships are also available to students to apply for. Each scholarship award is different in terms of criteria and award amount. Students who have a strong academic background are eligible to take advantage of merit-based awards.

Tuition Assistance

Many employers offer tuition assistance programs which allows certain employers to offer financial assistance to an employee's college education.

However, there are only a select number of employers that offer this benefit to their employees.

Do Cheap Colleges in Tennessee Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes. Lower-cost colleges can provide the same quality of education as more expensive colleges. The most important factor to consider when selecting an institution is its accreditation status.

An institution that is fully accredited can demonstrate its degree of credibility and can ensure students receive a high-quality education.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

On average, in-state tuition costs typically run around $10,000 a year. Out-of-state tuition costs run much higher at around $20,000 for the entire year.

Find an Affordable College in Tennessee Today

The state of Tennessee has made it extremely accessible for students to have an affordable education. If any of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee interest you, reach out to your program of choice for further assistance on their enrollment process.