10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Clarksville, TN

There are many colleges near Clarksville, Tennessee. There is great variety among these institutions and each offers something different from the other.

Below is a list of the best colleges located in Clarksville, as well as several that are easily accessible nearby. Read on to learn more about these colleges and choose the one that is best for you.

Featured Colleges in Clarksville, TN

Here are the best colleges located in Clarksville, Tennessee.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is a public institution located in Clarksville, Tennessee. The university has a long history with a campus location that is nearly 200 years old.

The university has over 70 degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

Degrees are offered through Austin Peay's academic departments include:

• communication
• accounting, finance, and economics
• criminal justice
• nursing
• computer science

Undergraduate tuition at Austin Peay State University is $292 per credit hour.

2. Nashville State Community College - Clarksville Campus

Nashville State Community College serves the area of middle Tennessee. The college has many campuses across the state. There are a total of eight locations for the school, and one of them is located in Clarksville.

The Clarksville campus of NSCC has a small student body and over a third of it is nontraditional adult students. The programs offered at this community college, primarily associate degrees, fall into four academic schools:

• School of Arts & Humanities
• School of Business & Professional Studies
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

In-state tuition at Nashville State Community College is $176 per credit hour with a $38 additional fee per credit hour after 12 hours.

3. North Central Institute

North Central Institute is a small college located in Clarksville, Tennessee. The school has a very small student body and is focused exclusively on aviation maintenance.

Only one associate degree and two aviation programs are offered at the North Central Institute. Students can pursue an associate degree in aviation technology or programs in aviation maintenance.

The tuition costs at North Central Institute depend upon the program, so prospective aviation students should consult the college's official webpage for full details.

Featured Colleges Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Outside of the city of Clarksville, there are many great universities and colleges nearby. Explore these institutions below.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private university located in Nashville that has been in operation since 1873. The university has over 13,000 students with a faculty-to-student ratio of 7 to 1.

Vanderbilt offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs within ten academic schools. The school also offers online programs.

Some of the school's undergraduate programs include things like:

• sociology
• psychology
• music composition
• engineering science
• communication studies

The school offers over 70 bachelor's degrees and the estimated tuition cost at Vanderbilt University for an academic year is $61,618.

Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a public university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, about 90 minutes from Clarksville. By student enrollment, it is one of the largest universities in the state.

MTSU offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Some of the university's academic colleges include:

• College of Basic and Applied Sciences
• College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Media and Entertainment

The estimated tuition for undergraduate students for the 2023 and 2024 academic year at Middle Tennessee State University is $9,754.

Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University is a private, Nazarene university that is located in Nashville. The school has been in operation for more than 120 years. Trevecca has multiple campuses and online programs.

This private university offers a huge range of program types. They offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, as well as doctorate programs. Additionally, they have certificates, licensure programs, and more.

The estimated tuition cost for a full-time student at Trevecca Nazarene University is $14,295 per semester.

American Baptist College

American Baptist College is a private, Baptist, and historically black university located in Nashville. Founded in 1924, this year, 2024, will be the university's 100th anniversary.

American Baptist College, or ABC, offers five undergraduate programs of study:

• Associate of Arts in music and art
• Associate of Arts degree, general studies
• Bachelor of Arts degree, behavior studies
• Bachelor of Arts degree, bible & theology
• Bachelor of Arts in entrepreneurial leadership

For a full-time student (12 credit hours or more), the cost of tuition at American Baptist College is $465 per credit hour.

Belmont University

Belmont University is a private Christian university that is also located in Nashville. Belmont describes itself as 'Christ-centered' and 'student-focused,' and has over 9,000 students on its Nashville campus.

Belmont University offers nearly 200 undergraduate programs, as well as graduate degree and certificate programs. Courses at Belmont can be completed in person, online, or in a hybrid setting.

Estimated tuition for an undergraduate student for the 2023-2024 academic year at Belmont University is $41,320.

Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University is a private, Christian liberal arts college located in Nashville. Lipscomb has been recognized for its value and quality by multiple publications, such as Niche and U.S. News & World Report.

This liberal arts university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including some online programs. Lipscomb offers an enormous amount of degrees across a dozen fields of study.

The estimated tuition at Lipscomb University for an undergraduate student is $40,572 per academic year.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a public and historically black university located in Nashville. The school has been in operation for well over a century, as it was founded in 1912.

TSU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Some of their undergraduate degrees include:

• nursing
• criminal justice
• agricultural sciences
• computer science

Undergraduate tuition at TSU is $358 per credit hour.

What is the Biggest School Near Clarksville, Tennessee?

The biggest school in Clarksville is Austin Peay State University, which has a student body of over 11,000 students. The largest nearby is Middle Tennessee State University with nearly twice the student enrollment.

How to Choose the Right College Near Clarksville, Tennessee

There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. Ultimately, the decision must come down to personal circumstances and means.

Students should attend a university that is accessible to them, studying a field they are passionate about that will translate to a good future.

Some important aspects to balance and consider are:

• location
• cost
• programs of study
• campus
• size

Paying for Your Degree Near Clarksville, Tennessee

The most significant resource for helping to pay for a degree is financial aid. This can include things like grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

Students should rely most on aid that does not need to be repaid, like grants and scholarships.

If students accept student loans, federal loans are by far the preferable choice, as they have significantly lower interest rates than private student loans.

Another resource for aid could be employer tuition assistance. Many companies will help their employees complete their degrees by paying their tuition costs.

Start Your Degree Near Clarksville, Tennessee Today

We've covered the best colleges near Clarksville, Tennessee. Now you have to find the right one for you. Start your degree near Clarksville, Tennessee today.