10 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2025

Online college programs are great options for students who want to start or advance their careers but have limited time for class or struggle to travel to in-person courses. Earning online degrees in Tennessee is a preference for many college students. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 2023 data revealed that nearly half (48.2%) of Tennessee students participate in at least some distance education.

Studying at the best online colleges comes with plenty of perks. Learners earn accredited online degrees at all educational levels and enjoy benefits like success coaching, academic advising, tuition assistance, and career help.

Below, we'll highlight online colleges in Tennessee offering top programs. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about online Tennessee colleges and discuss the average cost of online degrees.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Tennessee

Are you looking for an opportunity to earn an online degree from a top-ranked school? Explore the list of institutions below to find some of the best online colleges and universities in Tennessee.

1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students can choose from over 70 fully online degree and certificate programs exploring 77 areas of interest. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available in the following subjects:

• social work
• nursing
• religious studies
• mathematics
• industrial engineering
• educational leadership
• beyond

U.S. News & World Report has ranked UT Knoxville among the nation's top 10 business bachelor's degrees and top 20 online business master's programs. Nine out of 10 enrollees receive financial aid to increase affordability.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,484

Out-of-State: $31,974

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,468

Out-of-State: $29,656

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

2. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is home to UofM Global, which offers bachelor's programs ranked among the nation's top 10% and master's in criminal justice and nursing programs ranked in the top 15% by U.S. News & World Report. Other undergraduate and graduate programs are available in accountancy, English, religious studies, music, education, and beyond.

The university is a TN eCampus partner accepting online courses taught by approved community colleges and public universities without requiring a transfer credit process. Students can utilize support services that include 24/7 online tutoring and academic advising. About 97% of learners lower school costs with financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,344

Out-of-State: $14,784

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,576

Out-of-State: $13,590

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

3. University of Tennessee at Martin

The University of Tennessee at Martin is home to dozens of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs exploring forensics, farm and ranch management, justice studies, music education, and counseling. U.S. News & World Report has ranked UT Martin among the top 15% of online MBAs and 30% of online MBAs for veterans.

Online learners enjoy access to counseling services, the Student Success Center, and the Hortense Parrish Writing Center. Nearly all students (99%) lower the cost of earning a degree with financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,208

Out-of-State: $16,248

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,584

Out-of-State: $11,628

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

4. Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville offers dozens of online programs for students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. Degrees offered include professional studies, curriculum and instruction, accountancy, engineering, exercise science, and beyond. The university has earned high marks from U.S. News & World Report for its online MBAs for veterans and all learners. Tennessee Tech is a TN eCampus partner.

Students can utilize Student Success Centers and help from academic advisors to enhance their learning experience. About 97% of enrollees reduce school costs with financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,084

Out-of-State: $20,116

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,480

Out-of-State: $19,420

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's online students can choose from bachelor's degrees in applied leadership, criminal justice, and management. The university offers online doctoral and master's degrees in accountancy, engineering, nursing, data analytics, and more. Its online MBA has been ranked in the top one-third of programs in the nation.

UTC offers financial aid to 95% of its enrollees to help increase affordability. Support services for online learners include academic advising, library services, and Writing & Communication Center access.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,144

Out-of-State: $18,208

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,876

Out-of-State: $16,940

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

6. Lincoln Memorial University

At Lincoln Memorial University, students can attend 100% online classes requiring no face-to-face meetings. Program options include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing, public administration, medical education, business administration, veterinary education, and clinical medicine. LMU's master's in criminal justice has been recognized as a top online program by U.S. News & World Report.

Resources for enrollees include counseling, academic advising, tutoring, and career help. All attendees receive financial aid, including academic excellence awards, veterinary scholarships, and endowed scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $26,150

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $22,451

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Private University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

7. Carson-Newman University

At Carson-Newman University, students interested in earning online undergraduate or graduate degrees can find great programs in business administration, accounting, professional studies, nursing practice, marketing, computer science, and beyond. The university's online master's in nursing and education programs have been recognized as reputable degrees by U.S. News & World Report.

Though the stated tuition rate for traditional learning is $34,700, undergraduates taking online classes pay just $420 per credit hour. All Carson-Newman University attendees receive financial aid to lower costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $34,700

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $9,968

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Private University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

8. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro offers over 70 fully online and some partially online undergraduate and graduate programs. Areas of study include English, criminal justice, information systems, library science, and supply chain management. The school also offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) accredited by the esteemed Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Distance learning students receive support from online advising, tutoring, library services, and career guidance. The institution offers 96% of its learners financial aid to help reduce the cost of tuition.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,506

Out-of-State: $29,042

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,648

Out-of-State: $26,694

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

9. Austin Peay State University

At Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, students can pursue dozens of online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas of study such as computer information systems, English, leadership science, educational leadership, and public health. Online learners can benefit from resources for distance students, including virtual peer tutoring, traditional tutoring, writing center access, and library services.

The university offers financial aid to 98% of its enrollees. Academic, Tennessee Lottery, and Tennessee Promise scholarships are available to help learners significantly reduce costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,675

Out-of-State: $14,219

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,460

Out-of-State: $13,446

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

10. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University in Nashville is a TN eCampus partner and home to TSU Global Online, which offers dozens of fully online and hybrid degree programs. Online bachelor's degrees are available in business administration, criminal justice, urban studies, and psychology. Students can pursue online master's and doctoral degrees in education, data science, social work, and public policy.

TSU supports its online learners with tutoring, career, counseling, language, and financial aid help. Most students (94%) receive financial aid to make earning a degree more affordable.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,568

Out-of-State: $22,284

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,844

Out-of-State: $22,268

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 60%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Other Featured Online Schools

Are you looking for additional online schools with great reputations and a vast selection of degree programs? Review the list below for institutions outside of Tennessee offering distance learning opportunities.

University of Phoenix

At the University of Phoenix, traditional students and working adults can find 100+ online college programs preparing learners for over 300 occupations. Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs are available in business, healthcare, technology, nursing, behavioral health, and beyond. The university offers affordable tuition and the opportunity to save via transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts, and more.

University of Arizona Global Campus

Students interested in 100% online degrees can find over 50 program options at the University of Arizona Global Campus. UAGC learners can enroll in criminal justice, information technology, business, healthcare, and education programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The university has short online class terms and accepts credit for prior experience to accelerate study.

Walden University

Walden University is home to over 100 certificate and bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs for students interested in social work, communication, education, public policy, counseling, and nursing. Walden offers instructor-led learning for students who prefer deadlines and predictable schedules and ''Tempo Learning'' for self-motivated students who desire flexible schedules.

How We Rank Schools

Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above via a thorough vetting process that involved researching NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Each school has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The Tennessee schools have received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputation: We confirmed that accredited institutions in this list are respected, considering factors such as retention rates and student outcomes.
• Online student support: These colleges and universities help online learners excel by offering student resources such as library access, online tutoring, writing center services, and career guidance.
• Affordable: The schools in the list help make online education more affordable by offering financial aid, scholarships, or lower tuition rates.

Pros and Cons of Tennessee Online Degrees

Attending an online school is a great experience for many students, but not always for all learners. Discover some pros and cons of enrolling in online college programs below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Program freedom: Online learning allows you to select the perfect program and specialization instead of settling for degree options in your area.
• Top-ranked offerings: Many online colleges in Tennessee and beyond offer programs receiving high rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
• Flexible scheduling: Many online institutions offer programs with coursework students can access and complete anytime.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Isolation: Individuals living in a different location than their online school can't participate in on-campus activities, which could lead to feelings of isolation.
• Networking difficulties: Online learners typically don't have opportunities to make personal connections and network with their classmates.
• Remote instruction: Students who feel more comfortable with in-person instructor interactions could struggle with remote learning.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Tennessee

Selecting the best online school in Tennessee starts with ensuring your institutions of consideration are accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Confirm school reputations by checking retention rates and student outcomes. Also, ensure schools offer your desired major, concentrations, and minor and will accept community college or four-year institution transfer credits.

Are you looking for budget-friendly schools? Research the tuition rates, financial aid offerings, and scholarships of your schools of interest. Verify that you meet GPA, test score, and other admission requirements. Also, look for institutions that help students excel with online support such as tutoring, academic advising, and math help.

How Much Does Online College in Tennessee Cost?

Undergraduate in-state students pursuing online bachelor's degrees at public schools in Tennessee pay an average of just under $400 per credit. Students attending as out-of-state learners pay slightly more than $440 per credit.

Tips on How To Make an Online Degree in Tennessee More Affordable

Students who want to make their distance degrees more affordable could benefit from enrolling at the cheapest online colleges in Tennessee. They could also consider institutions that accept credits for prior learning.

Financial aid is a top option for students looking to reduce the cost of college. NCES data has revealed that 93.6% of Tennessee students received some form of financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year. Learn about FAFSA, transfer credits, and other ways to save by reviewing the list below.

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Tennessee Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are great financial aid options for students interested in funds that don't require repayment. Review the list below to find programs for students attending Tennessee institutions.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for freshmen Tennessee residents enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution within sixteen (16) months after graduating from an eligible high school in Tennessee.

Award Amount: up to $4,500

Deadline: September 1 (fall semester), March 1 (spring semester), May 1 (summer semester)

TN Reconnect Grant

Tennessee residents classified as independent on the FAFSA (or at least 23 years old by January 1 of the academic year of enrollment) without an associate or more advanced degree qualify.

Award Amount: Varies based on remaining tuition and fees after all other gift aid is applied

Deadline: September 1 (fall semester), March 1 (spring semester), May 1 (summer semester)

Tennessee Promise Scholarship

This program covers some or all tuition and mandatory fees that the Pell Grant, HOPE scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Award doesn't cover. Applicants must be Tennessee residents.

Award Amount: Varies based on remaining tuition and fees after all other gift aid is applied

Deadline: November 1 (Tennessee Promise application) and April 15 (FAFSA)

Top Majors for Tennessee Graduates

When picking a major to pursue, you want to ensure it aligns with your career aspirations. Below, you'll find some of the top majors for graduates of Tennessee schools:

• History: Students majoring in history learn to analyze historical events and conduct quality research. Bachelor's degrees help students qualify for careers as journalists, historians, and archivists.
• Liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies: Liberal arts/studies bachelor's programs cover subjects such as business, history, writing, and psychology to help students qualify for careers in various fields or enroll in graduate programs.
• Psychology: Psychology degree programs examine mental processes and human behavior. Students can earn bachelor's degrees to start careers as counselors and social workers or pursue advanced degrees for psychologist licensure.
• Business administration and management: A bachelor's degree in this major teaches students to plan and organize business operations in preparation for careers as sales managers, human resources specialists, and market research analysts.
• Registered nursing: Current and aspiring nurses can enroll in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs to learn advanced nursing concepts and gain more clinical experience for roles as hospice nurses, nurse educators, and travel nurses.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Tennessee

Enrolling in an online college degree program is a fantastic alternative to on-campus learning for busy students. Before getting started, review the FAQs below to learn more about online colleges in Tennessee.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Tennessee?

Several institutions offer accelerated online degrees in Tennessee that speed up the journey to graduation. Shorter terms, multiple program start dates, generous transfer credit policies, and competency-based learning are just a few ways online colleges help students graduate with their bachelor's in less than two years and their master's in less than a year.

Is Online College Right for Me?

While online learning is a great choice for many students, it's not right for everyone. Distance learners must feel comfortable accessing and navigating online courses. They should also have good time management skills and the discipline to push themselves to learn in self-paced courses. If this sounds like you, online college could be the right choice.

Do Colleges Offer Online Certificate Programs in Tennessee?

Yes, several colleges offer online certificate programs in Tennessee. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is one of many offering reputable programs.

Do Any Private Universities in Tennessee Offer Online Programs?

You can find online degree programs at several private institutions in Tennessee. Lincoln Memorial University and Carson-Newman University are private colleges in Tennessee with great reputations for online learning.

Find Online Degrees in Tennessee

Are you ready to take the next step toward an exciting journey in online higher education? Explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org and find out how their programs can help you achieve your goals in education and beyond.