2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Tennessee
With all of the options you have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take when you want to pursue a college degree. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our Top Tennessee Colleges for a Bachelor's ranking - to help you make that decision.
Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
We analyzed 29 colleges and universities across Tennessee to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Instead of depending on subjective information to rank the best schools, we focus on objective factors in our analysis. More specifically, the following explains what we consider and why.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Tennessee
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
2,440
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$61,239
Average Early-Career Earnings
$62,353
Average Student Debt
Vanderbilt University tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Tennessee for overall quality. Vanderbilt is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,440 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $61,239 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $62,353.
Learn More About Vanderbilt University
1,664
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,303
Average Early-Career Earnings
$83,848
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Belmont University. The school came in at #2 in Tennessee on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Belmont is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 1,664 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Belmont make an average of $36,303 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $83,848 in student loans.
Read full report on Belmont University
5,533
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,481
Average Early-Career Earnings
$32,938
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. It ranked #3 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is a large public school located in Knoxville, Tennessee that handed out 5,533 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UT Knoxville make an average of $43,481 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $32,938 after getting their degree.
Full The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Report
385
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$54,644
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,754
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Southern Adventist University. The school came in at #4 in Tennessee on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Collegedale, Tennessee, and it awarded 385 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Southern Adventist make an average of $54,644 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $29,754 in student loans.
Full Southern Adventist University Report
540
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,972
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,925
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Union University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Tennessee. Union is a private not-for-profit institution located in Jackson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 540 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $48,972 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,925 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Union University
429
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,927
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #6, Sewanee - The University of the South did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Sewanee is a private not-for-profit institution located in Sewanee, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 429 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Sewanee make an average of $36,927 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Sewanee - The University of the South
538
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,807
Average Early-Career Earnings
Rhodes College landed the #7 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Rhodes College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 538 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College make an average of $40,807 per year during the early years of their career.
Full Rhodes College Report
2,519
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,112
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,777
Average Student Debt
East Tennessee State University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, the fairly large public school awarded 2,519 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from ETSU make an average of $35,112 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $16,777 after getting their degree.
Read full report on East Tennessee State University
3,132
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,622
Average Early-Career Earnings
$14,402
Average Student Debt
University of Memphis ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the large public school awarded 3,132 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $41,622 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $14,402 in student loans.
Full University of Memphis Report
711
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,051
Average Early-Career Earnings
$42,540
Average Student Debt
Lipscomb University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking, coming in at #10. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 711 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Lipscomb make an average of $38,051 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $42,540 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Lipscomb University
317
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,954
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,489
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #11, Freed-Hardeman University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Henderson, Tennessee, and it awarded 317 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from FHU go into careers with an average salary of $49,954 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $20,489.
Full Freed-Hardeman University Report
2,039
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,392
Average Early-Career Earnings
$15,989
Average Student Debt
The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga landed the #12 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. UT Chattanooga is a public institution located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,039 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UT Chattanooga make an average of $42,392 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $15,989.
Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
933
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,594
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,757
Average Student Debt
Lee University landed the #13 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Cleveland, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 933 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,594 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,757 after getting their degree.
Full Lee University Report
3,709
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,343
Average Early-Career Earnings
$14,969
Average Student Debt
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,709 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University go into careers with an average salary of $39,343 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $14,969.
Learn More About Middle Tennessee State University
330
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,209
Average Early-Career Earnings
$10,000
Average Student Debt
Lincoln Memorial University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Harrogate, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 330 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $43,209 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $10,000.
Read full report on Lincoln Memorial University
1,970
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,977
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,901
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #16, Tennessee Technological University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Cookeville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,970 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech University go into careers with an average salary of $42,977 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $11,901 in student loans.
Learn More About Tennessee Technological University
411
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$56,908
Average Early-Career Earnings
Bethel University landed the #17 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in McKenzie, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 411 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Bethel make an average of $56,908 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Bethel University
279
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,628
Average Early-Career Earnings
Cumberland University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. CU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 279 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $39,628 during the early years of their career.
Full Cumberland University Report
302
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$58,859
Average Early-Career Earnings
Tennessee Wesleyan University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Athens, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 302 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $58,859 during the early years of their career.
Full Tennessee Wesleyan University Report
386
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,017
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,250
Average Student Debt
Carson - Newman University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking, coming in at #20. Carson - Newman University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Jefferson City, Tennessee that handed out 386 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Carson - Newman make an average of $39,017 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $20,250 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Carson - Newman University
469
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,168
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,064
Average Student Debt
King University landed the #21 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Bristol, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 469 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from King make an average of $43,168 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $19,064.
Learn More About King University
411
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,024
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #22, Christian Brothers University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Christian Brothers University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Memphis, Tennessee that handed out 411 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Christian Brothers make an average of $44,024 a year.
Full Christian Brothers University Report
419
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,379
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,200
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #23, Trevecca Nazarene University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 419 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from TNU go into careers with an average salary of $45,379 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $11,200 in student loans.
Learn More About Trevecca Nazarene University
1,059
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,419
Average Early-Career Earnings
$15,824
Average Student Debt
The University of Tennessee - Martin ranked #24 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. The University of Tennessee - Martin is a medium-sized public school located in Martin, Tennessee that handed out 1,059 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UT Martin make an average of $38,419 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $15,824 after getting their degree.
Learn More About The University of Tennessee - Martin
197
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,388
Average Early-Career Earnings
Milligan University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Milligan, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 197 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $48,388 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Milligan University
