10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Knoxville, TN

If you're thinking about getting a bachelor's degree but want to stay in the East Tennessee region, you're in luck!

There are many great universities and colleges near Knoxville, Tennessee, most of which are just a short drive away.

The region features a great mix of both public and private colleges and universities so you can easily find the best fit for you.

Featured Colleges in Knoxville, Tennessee

Keep reading for more details on some of the best universities and colleges near Knoxville, Tennessee.

1. Bryan College

Check out Bryan College in nearby Dayton, Tennessee if you're looking for education with a biblical foundation.

This small private college has many different majors to explore in the sciences and liberal arts, including:

• Biblical and Theological Studies
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Engineering
• Health Science
• K-12 Education
• Music
• Nursing
• Psychology

The close-knit campus offers a variety of events, clubs, and student activities that allow you to interact with other students.

Tuition starts at $9,150 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available if you qualify.

2. Carson-Newman University

Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Knoxville is Carson-Newman University, a small Christian university with around 2,800 students.

At Carson-Newman, you can choose from over 50 majors, including:

• Biology
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Education
• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• Psychology

With a robust athletic program and numerous student clubs, events, and activities, you're sure to find your niche on this beautiful campus.

Tuition starts at $16,450 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and financial aid can increase affordability.

3. Huntington University of Health Sciences

Check out the Huntington University of Health Sciences right in Knoxville if you're looking for an affordable bachelor's degree in a health field.

This university offers online bachelor's degrees in nutrition as well as integrative nutrition. Associate and master's degrees are also available.

As an online school, athletics and student organizations are lacking, but you'll make up for that with small classes that are career-focused.

Tuition starts at $9,540 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and financial aid can further lower the cost of your degree.

4. Lincoln Memorial University

Just a short drive from Knoxville in Harrogate, Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) offers affordable degrees in East Tennessee.

LMU offers a variety of bachelor's degrees, including:

• Business
• English
• History
• Nursing
• Civil Engineering
• Communications and Media
• Mechanical Engineering
• Veterinary Science

The university considers student life to be an extension of the classroom and offers a multitude of opportunities for you to get involved.

Tuition starts at $25,680 per year for full-time students. LMU offers scholarships and other financial aid options to all qualifying students.

5. Maryville College

Give Maryville College a chance if you're looking for a small college experience while staying close to Knoxville.

Maryville offers numerous programs of study that lead to a bachelor's degree, including:

• Accounting
• Appalachian Studies
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Criminal Justice
• Data Analysis
• Economics
• Education
• History
• Neuroscience
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Sustainability Studies

The welcoming campus community also includes numerous activities, events, and student organizations for you to get involved.

Tuition starts at $18,809 per semester for full-time students. 100% of Maryville students receive some form of financial aid.

6. Tennessee Wesleyan University

If you're looking for a relatively small Christian university, look no further than Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU).

TWU is just a short drive away from Knoxville in Athens, Tennessee, and offers a wide variety of bachelor's degree majors, including:

• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Communication Studies
• Education
• Fine Arts
• History
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Work

TWU also offers some programs directly in Knoxville, if you're looking for less of a commute and don't plan to live on campus.

Tuition at TWU starts at $675 per credit hour. Most TWU students receive some kind of financial aid.

7. Tusculum University

Get your degree in the heart of the Smoky Mountains at Tusculum University, just a short drive from Knoxville.

Located in Greeneville, Tennessee, Tusculum offers bachelor's degrees in a wide variety of disciplines, including:

• Appalachian Environmental Studies
• Art and Design
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Sport Science
• Sport Management

Tusculum has robust and competitive athletic programs, as well as many enriching activities and events to get students involved.

Tuition starts at $900 per credit hour. At least 90% of Tusculum students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships.

8. University of the Cumberlands

You don't have to stay in Tennessee to stay near Knoxville. Pop over the border to Kentucky and check out the University of the Cumberlands.

Numerous programs of study leading to a bachelor's degree are available, including:

• Accounting
• Art
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Coaching
• Gaming
• Journalism
• Nursing
• Public Health
• World Languages and Cultures

The University of the Cumberlands offers a one-price guarantee of $19,175 or less per semester for on-campus undergraduate students.

Generous financial aid opportunities are available as well, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

9. University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee is the obvious choice for students who want to stay in Knoxville to earn their degree.

If you bleed orange and white, take your pick from hundreds of bachelor's degree options across the following colleges:

• Agriculture
• Architecture and Design
• Arts and Sciences
• Business
• Communication and Information
• Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• Emerging and Collaborative Studies
• Engineering
• Music
• Nursing
• Social Work
• Public Policy

You'll keep busy on campus as well, with hundreds of opportunities to get involved in clubs, activities, and events.

Tuition starts at $13,484 per year for full-time Tennessee residents ($31,974 for out-of-state students). Financial aid is available.

10. Western Carolina University

If you want to leave the state but still want to stay close to Knoxville, Western Carolina University (WCU) could be a great choice.

Just over the mountains about an hour's drive away, WCU offers numerous accredited bachelor's degree programs, including:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Business Administration
• Coaching
• Computer Science
• Emergency Medical Care
• Entertainment Design and Technology
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Interior Design
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Work

The WCU campus also offers unique opportunities for you to discover new interests and follow your passions through clubs and activities.

Tuition starts at $5,658.40 per semester for full-time students from Tennessee ($3,658.40 for NC residents). Financial aid is available.

What Is the Biggest School Near Knoxville, Tennessee?

With nearly 25,000 students, the University of Tennessee is the largest in East Tennessee.

Situated right in Knoxville, this public university is the flagship of the University of Tennessee system.

How to Choose the Right College Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Many of the colleges near Knoxville are private schools. While you'll likely pay more in tuition, class sizes are smaller.

With a larger public university, on the other hand, you'll spend less on your degree but forgo some of the more personalized attention.

Paying for Your Degree Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Federal financial aid offers numerous options to help make your degree more affordable, including federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

Institutional scholarships as well as scholarships from private companies and nonprofit organizations can also ease the financial burden.

Start Your Degree Near Knoxville, Tennessee Today

You have plenty of great universities and colleges near Knoxville, Tennessee where you can earn a bachelor's degree.