10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Tennessee (2025)

Students in Tennessee can find various online programs at low-cost colleges. Several affordable online colleges in Tennessee provide flexibility for working students.

Online colleges are great alternatives to traditional on-campus institutions, particularly for students seeking programs with flexible schedules. In Tennessee, learners can find online schools offering a range of flexible degrees with low tuition costs.

Below, we'll highlight some of the cheapest colleges in Tennessee for recent high school graduates. We'll also share flexible and affordable online colleges. Our FAQs answer questions about cheap online colleges and discuss where to earn a degree in Tennessee for free.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Tennessee

Do you want to enroll in a low-cost distance learning program? Accredited online colleges in Tennessee provide the same valuable education as traditional schools. Explore the list below to find cheap colleges in Tennessee with reputable online degrees.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers dozens of online degrees. Students can pursue an associate degree in university studies or choose from online master's and bachelor's in healthcare administration, social work, and beyond.

Undergraduate and graduate learners pay $303 and $488 per credit hour, respectively, with rates reduced for full-time students. Scholarships like the Tennessee Lottery programs can reduce tuition costs.

2. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University offers 100% online distance education programs for students interested in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Programs include allied health, sociology, and English.

Annual in-state tuition is $10,472 for undergraduates and $11,366 for graduate students. Learners can use grants, scholarships, and other aid to cover online education costs.

3. Middle Tennessee State University

At Middle Tennessee State University, students can choose from over 70 fully online majors, concentrations, and certificate programs. Areas of study include business administration and criminal justice.

Per-credit undergraduate and graduate tuition for in-state learners is $331 and $565, respectively. Students can use grants and scholarships to reduce costs.

4. Johnson University

Johnson University students can pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees offering 100% online courses. Fields of study include psychology, business administration, and ministry leadership.

Online undergraduates pay $375 per credit hour. The tuition rate for master's degrees and doctoral programs ranges from $475 to $675. Learners can use need- and merit-based scholarships to make their college degrees more affordable.

5. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers over 70 fully online programs in business cybersecurity, management, nursing, and beyond. Coursework is available in synchronous and asynchronous formats.

Tennessee residents enrolled in online undergraduate programs pay $490 per credit hour, and online graduate students pay $744. UTK offers merit-based grants and scholarships to lower costs.

6. Vanderbilt University

Nashville is home to Vanderbilt University, which offers 74 degrees across 10 schools and colleges. Online graduate degrees are available in nursing practice, computer science, and more.

Tuition varies by program but starts at about $1,100 per credit. Merit scholarships could help reduce degree costs. Nursing students can pursue a fully funded PhD. in nursing science that covers up to four years of research and coursework.

7. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's best colleges for online bachelor's degrees. Program options include engineering, computing, and education.

Undergraduates and graduates taking U of M Global courses pay $447 and $646 per credit hour, respectively. The TN eCampus in-state, per-credit tuition rate is $517 for undergraduates and $774 for graduates. The HOPE Scholarship covers up to $2,850 in tuition costs for eligible students.

8. Tennessee Tech University

Tennessee Tech University offers dozens of online learning opportunities at several degree levels. Nationally ranked programs explore accounting, nursing, exercise science, and beyond.

New freshmen attending in-state pay $5,688 per semester, returning undergraduates pay $4,893, and graduate students pay $6,193. Financial aid helps nearly half of enrollees to graduate debt-free.

9. Tennessee State University

Students interested in earning online undergraduate or graduate degrees can find great programs at Tennessee State University. Fields of study include psychology, criminal justice, and urban studies.

In-state learners pay $385 per credit hour for undergraduate study and $575 for graduate study. Submitting the FAFSA helps eligible students save on tuition costs.

10. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga students can pursue online undergraduate and graduate degrees in management, nursing, music, and more. Programs are available fully or mostly online.

Online learners pursuing undergraduate degrees pay about $10,112 annually, and graduate students pay $10,438. Students can save on costs or graduate debt-free with HOPE Scholarships and the UT Promise Scholarship.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team thoroughly vetted the selected schools to create the rank list above. Every institution has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

Accredited: The schools have received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
Reputable: We verified that the institutions in this list are respected, considering factors such as student outcomes, graduation rates, and acceptance rates.
Affordable: These colleges and universities increase affordability by accepting financial aid and scholarships or offering lower tuition rates.

How Much Does Online College in Tennessee Cost?

Earning an online bachelor's degree at a public school in Tennessee costs about $399 per credit hour for in-state learners; out-of-state students pay about $443 per credit hour.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the 2022-23 academic year, full-time, first-time undergraduate students in Tennessee received nearly $12,000 in grant and scholarship aid. These assistance options can significantly reduce school costs for online and in-person learners.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Make sure to check with the financial aid department of each potential university to find out which grants and scholarships you are eligible for.

Students will nearly always have to fill out the FAFSA form which determines eligibility for federal programs like the Pell Grant. Students with low expected family contribution will qualify for financial aid in most cases.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Cheap Online Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to numerous inexpensive accredited online universities. Review the FAQs below to learn more about these schools.

What Is the Least Expensive Online College in Tennessee?

Several online schools in Tennessee offer affordable tuition rates. However, Austin Peay State University is among the least expensive online colleges with undergraduate and graduate learners paying $303 and $488 per credit hour.

Is an Online Degree Program Worth It?

Yes, earning an online degree is worth it. Busy students enjoy flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from home. Many online programs are nationally ranked leading to the same careers as in-person programs.

Is Online College Free in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar program, helps students pursuing two-year degrees at community colleges or institutions offering associate degrees graduate debt-free.

Undergraduate Tennessee residents at the University of Tennessee campuses can receive free tuition via the UT Promise last-dollar scholarship.

How Many Online Colleges Are There in Tennessee?

More than a dozen online colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in Tennessee. Alongside schools listed above are institutions such as Lee University and Welch College, both of which offer online degree completion programs.

Are Low-Cost Online Schools in Tennessee Accredited?

Yes, many low-cost online schools in Tennessee are accredited. Most Tennessee colleges received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

If you're eager to begin your journey toward your dream career, explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover how you can take the first step toward a fulfilling career.