10 Best Test-Optional Colleges in Tennessee 2025

<p>If you're exploring colleges in Tennessee and want flexibility in the admissions process, consider applying to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/test_optional_colleges.html">test-optional colleges</a>. Many universities now allow students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores, especially if they have a strong GPA or course history. </p> <p>This article highlights 10 test-optional schools in Tennessee, ranked by estimated tuition cost. You'll find both public and private institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based schools, and colleges with online degree options. Whether you're a first-time freshman or returning adult learner, these schools offer pathways that focus on academic achievement beyond test scores. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesTestOptionalMean">What Does Test Optional Mean?</h2> <p>A test-optional policy means you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores when applying to college. These schools shift their focus to other parts of your application, such as GPA, class rank, personal essays, and recommendation letters. </p> <p>The goal is to give students more control over how they present their academic strengths and reduce stress tied to standardized testing. Test-optional admissions are especially helpful for students who feel their grades better reflect their academic potential. </p> <h2 id="section---Top10TestOptionalCollegesInTennessee">Top 10 Test-Optional Colleges in Tennessee</h2> <p>You'll find a wide range of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_no_sat_act_requirements.html">online colleges that don't require SAT or ACT</a> and on-campus schools in Tennessee with test-optional policies. This list ranks the top 10 based on affordability, starting with the lowest tuition rates. </p> <h3 id="section---1.LaneCollege">1. Lane College</h3> <p>Lane College, a historically Black college in Jackson, offers bachelor's degrees in areas such as business, biology, and criminal justice. The college maintains a test-optional policy for students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher. Its liberal arts curriculum emphasizes leadership and social justice. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,198 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.EastTennesseeStateUniversity">2. East Tennessee State University</h3> <p>East Tennessee State University (ETSU), located in Johnson City, offers more than 140 academic programs and a range of online degrees. The university is known for its strong health sciences programs and regional partnerships that support career readiness. </p> <p>ETSU's test-optional policy applies to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Those below that threshold are encouraged to submit test scores to strengthen their application. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,472 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.MiddleTennesseeStateUniversity">3. Middle Tennessee State University</h3> <p>Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. MTSU has online and hybrid degree options in areas like education, liberal arts, and business, making it accessible for working students. </p> <p>The school has a test-optional admissions policy for first-year students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a lower GPA may still apply with test scores for a more complete evaluation. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $11,070 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.TennesseeTechnologicalUniversity">4. Tennessee Technological University</h3> <p>Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution recognized for its programs in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. The university offers a test-optional admissions policy for first-year applicants who have earned at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants are also evaluated based on the rigor of their high school courses and overall academic performance. </p> <p>Tennessee Tech provides more than 40 undergraduate majors and several online degree options for added flexibility. Students interested in remote learning can pursue programs in areas such as professional studies and business administration. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $11,926 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.LeMoyneOwenCollege">5. Le Moyne-Owen College</h3> <p>Le Moyne-Owen College, another HBCU based in Memphis, offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes. The school allows applicants to apply without SAT or ACT scores if they have a GPA of at least 2.7. </p> <p>Students can pursue degrees in liberal studies, urban leadership, business, and other fields. Le Moyne-Owen focuses heavily on community engagement and student mentoring programs. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,000 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.LincolnMemorialUniversity">6. Lincoln Memorial University</h3> <p>Located in Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, business, education, and medical sciences. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for test-optional admission. </p> <p>LMU supports online learning through a variety of hybrid and remote programs, especially in health professions. The school is well known for its clinical partnerships and graduate health sciences offerings. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $26,856 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.TennesseeWesleyanUniversity">7. Tennessee Wesleyan University</h3> <p>Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) in Athens offers test-optional admissions for students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0. The university offers programs in nursing, psychology, exercise science, and more. </p> <p>Online programs are available for working adults, particularly in business and RN-to-BSN pathways. TWU is known for its personalized academic support and small campus community. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $30,590 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.SouthernAdventistUniversity">8. Southern Adventist University</h3> <p>Southern Adventist University in Collegedale is a private Christian university offering more than 100 programs in fields like theology, education, nursing, and visual arts. It accepts test-optional applications from students with a GPA of 3.0 or above. </p> <p>Students can also take advantage of online degrees and professional certificates in areas such as business and education. The school emphasizes holistic development through faith-based learning. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $38,300 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.CarsonNewmanUniversity">9. Carson-Newman University</h3> <p>Carson-Newman University, a Christian liberal arts college in Jefferson City, offers test-optional admissions for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The university provides more than 50 undergraduate majors, along with graduate and adult learning options. Online degrees are available in business, education, and healthcare, making it a strong choice for nontraditional learners. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $38,700 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.MaryvilleCollege">10. Maryville College</h3> <p>Maryville College is a private liberal arts institution located near Knoxville. The school has a test-optional policy that allows students with a 3.0 GPA to apply without standardized test scores. </p> <p>The college offers more than 60 majors and minors, and its Mountain Challenge program integrates outdoor education into academics. Select online courses are available, particularly in business and continuing education. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $39,712 per year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>These rankings are based on a mix of academic quality, accessibility, and value. We focused on accredited four-year institutions that offer test-optional admissions and affordable tuition. </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All colleges are accredited by a recognized regional body to ensure academic quality and degree recognition. </li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> Schools were chosen based on the availability of test-optional policies and minimum GPA requirements. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Colleges were ranked by estimated in-state undergraduate tuition, starting with the most affordable option. </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhyDoCollegesUseTestOptionalAdmissions">Why Do Colleges Use Test-Optional Admissions?</h2> <p>Colleges use test-optional admissions to create a more inclusive and equitable application process. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT may not fully reflect a student's academic ability or potential, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds or under-resourced schools. </p> <p>By removing the testing requirement, institutions can consider a wider range of achievements, such as GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, to evaluate students more holistically. This approach helps colleges diversify their incoming classes and give qualified students more opportunities to succeed. </p> <h2 id="section---HowDoesATestOptionalPolicyAffectCollegeAdmissions">How Does a Test-Optional Policy Affect College Admissions?</h2> <p>A test-optional policy shifts the focus of admissions committees from test scores to other academic and personal indicators. Colleges evaluate applications based on high school GPA, advanced coursework, recommendation letters, and essays. </p> <p>Students with strong grades but weak test scores may benefit from the flexibility of not submitting test results. However, submitting test scores can still be helpful if they are above average. In some cases, merit-based scholarships or specific programs may still require test results, so it's important to check each college's policy carefully. </p> <h2 id="section---BenefitsOfApplyingToTestOptionalColleges">Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges</h2> <p>Applying to test-optional colleges can reduce the pressure and stress of standardized testing. For students who struggle with test-taking due to anxiety, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/anxiety_in_college_students.html">overcoming test anxiety</a> may be an important part of preparing for college admissions. Students have more control over their applications and can highlight their academic strengths in other ways. This approach supports those who may be strong students but poor test-takers, giving them a fairer chance at admission. </p> <h2 id="section---TipsForTestOptionalCollegeAdmissions">Tips for Test-Optional College Admissions</h2> <p>If you're planning to apply to test-optional colleges, focusing on the right parts of your application can help you stand out. </p> <ul><li>Focus on building a strong academic record across all four years of high school, especially in core subjects. </li><li>Take challenging courses, such as AP or honors classes, to show academic readiness. </li><li>Use your personal statement to tell your story, highlight strengths, and explain any setbacks. </li><li>Ask for recommendation letters from teachers who can speak to your abilities and character. </li><li>Stay organized and research each school's specific test-optional requirements, including GPA thresholds or scholarship criteria. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTestOptionalSchoolsInTennessee">FAQs About Test-Optional Schools in Tennessee</h2> <p>If you're considering applying to a test-optional college in Tennessee, you may have questions about how these policies affect your chances of admission. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about test-optional schools, from GPA expectations to scholarship eligibility. </p> <h3 id="section---DoTestOptionalSchoolsAcceptLowerGPAs">Do Test-Optional Schools Accept Lower GPAs?</h3> <p>Some <a href="https://learn.org/articles/colleges_that_accept_a_low_gpa.html">colleges that accept a low GPA</a> also use test-optional policies, but these aren't always linked. Many test-optional schools still have minimum GPA requirements, often around 2.7 to 3.0. </p> <p>If your GPA falls below that range, you may be asked to submit test scores or other academic evidence to strengthen your application. Policies vary by school, so always review each college's admission requirements before applying. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIStillQualifyForScholarshipsWithoutTestScores">Can I Still Qualify for Scholarships Without Test Scores?</h3> <p>Yes, many schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships that don't require SAT or ACT scores. Instead, they may consider your GPA, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, or financial need. However, some competitive or program-specific scholarships may still require test scores, so check each scholarship's criteria to be sure. </p> <h3 id="section---DoTestOptionalPoliciesApplyToTransferStudents">Do Test-Optional Policies Apply to Transfer Students?</h3> <p>Test-optional policies are usually aimed at first-time freshmen, but some schools extend them to transfer applicants. Most transfer students are evaluated based on college-level coursework rather than high school grades or test scores. It's best to review the school's transfer admissions page to see whether test scores are required. </p> <h3 id="section---WillNotSubmittingTestScoresHurtMyApplication">Will Not Submitting Test Scores Hurt My Application?</h3> <p>No, choosing not to submit test scores won't hurt your chances if you meet the school's GPA and course requirements. Admissions teams are trained to evaluate applications holistically and will focus on your grades, essays, and other achievements. If your scores are strong, you can still submit them, but leaving them out won't be counted against you. </p> <h3 id="section---AreTestOptionalPoliciesPermanent">Are Test-Optional Policies Permanent?</h3> <p>Some schools adopted test-optional policies temporarily during the pandemic, but many have extended or made them permanent. Policies are reviewed regularly based on enrollment trends and student outcomes. Always check with each college to confirm whether their test-optional policy is current and whether it applies to your intended major or scholarship program. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreDegreePrograms">Explore Degree Programs</h2> <p>If you're ready to take the next step, use Learn.org to browse accredited degree programs available online or in Tennessee and begin planning a college experience that fits your goals and learning style.</p>