2025 Best Registered Nursing Schools in Tennessee
40
Colleges in Tennessee
5,020
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Ranked #3 in popularity,
registered nursing is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.
For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 40 schools in Tennessee to determine which ones were the best for registered nursing students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 5,020 degrees in registered nursing annually.
What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings
Choosing a Great Registered Nursing School
The registered nursing program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Registered Nursing rankings. For our Best Overall Registered Nursing School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Pick Your Registered Nursing Degree Level
When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Registered Nursing Schools in Tennessee list to help you make the college decision.
More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you.
Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Read more about College Factual's methodology.
Best Schools for Registered Nursing in Tennessee
Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the registered nursing degree levels they offer.
10 Top Tennessee Schools in Registered Nursing
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
28th
Most Popular In TN
99
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Any student pursuing a degree in registered nursing has to look into The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center. Located in the large city of Memphis, UTHSC is a public university with a small student population.
There were about 99 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UTHSC in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
10th
Most Popular In TN
168
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Union University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in registered nursing. Located in the small city of Jackson, Union is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #538 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Union is a great university overall.
There were about 168 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Union in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Union University
Bachelors
Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN
Program Name
With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.
More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire UniversityRelated Programs
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
9th
Most Popular In TN
169
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
It is difficult to beat Southern Adventist University if you wish to pursue a degree in registered nursing. Located in the large suburb of Collegedale, Southern Adventist is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #244 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Southern Adventist is a great university overall.
There were about 169 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Southern Adventist in the most recent data year.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Southern Adventist University
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
1st
Most Popular In TN
601
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
East Tennessee State University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in registered nursing. ETSU is a large public university located in the city of Johnson City. A Best Colleges rank of #802 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means ETSU is a great university overall.
There were about 601 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at ETSU in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from East Tennessee State University
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
4th
Most Popular In TN
272
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
UT Knoxville is a fairly large public university located in the city of Knoxville. A Best Colleges rank of #226 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Knoxville is a great university overall.
There were about 272 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
6th
Most Popular In TN
198
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the large city of Nashville, Belmont is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #237 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Belmont is a great university overall.
There were approximately 198 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Belmont in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Belmont University
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
3rd
Most Popular In TN
387
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the large city of Memphis, UofM is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #807 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofM is a great university overall.
There were approximately 387 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UofM in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Memphis
Bachelors
Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN
Program Name
At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.
More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire UniversityRelated Programs
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
2nd
Most Popular In TN
318
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the town of Harrogate, LMU is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #618 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means LMU is a great university overall.
There were roughly 318 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at LMU in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Lincoln Memorial University
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
13th
Most Popular In TN
103
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the city of Bristol, King is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 26th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.
There were roughly 103 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at King in the most recent data year.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from King University
Associate Degree
Highest Degree Type
25th
Most Popular In TN
66
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
JSCC is a small public college located in the small city of Jackson. A Best Colleges rank of #799 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means JSCC is a great college overall.
There were roughly 66 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at JSCC in the most recent data year.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Jackson State Community College
