Best Value Colleges and Universities in Tennessee 2021

One of the many colleges in Tennessee that allows learners to receive a world-class education centered in the Christian faith, FHU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nine colleges and schools. The university's College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate majors in seven fields, including fine arts, mathematics, and nursing. Also, FHU features online and on-campus graduate degrees in theology.

FHU Student Services provides numerous resources for degree-seekers, such as Career Center (CC) appointments, disability services, and psychological and spiritual counseling. The CC also hosts on-campus career fairs and mock interviews. CC extends resources to FHU alumni, as well.

FHU does not charge an application fee, and prospective freshmen submit FAFSA results. Graduate admission requirements vary by degree. Merit-based scholarships for freshman and transfer students award up to $15,000 per year. The university provides additional financial aid to Church of Christ members.

Situated in Harrogate, LMU features multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees. Associate and bachelor's programs include veterinary medical technology, chemistry, and social work. The university offers some degrees on off-campus sites throughout rural Tennessee. Graduate programs feature multiple options for prospective students who want to earn a doctorate in a medical topic.

Like some colleges in Tennessee, LMU uses a First-Year Experience Program to give incoming freshmen academic success tools and integrate them with the school's culture. Also, the university's Career Services advisors maintain a job bank, advertising positions throughout the state.

LMU's admissions process involves submitting the university application or the Common Application. The university became a test-optional school in 2020. Graduate applicants typically reach out to the specific school they plan to attend to learn more about application requirements. LMU provides over 1,000 students with institutional aid each year.

Many Tennessee residents researching local colleges in Tennessee consider Trevecca. Located in Nashville, the university offers multiple undergraduate programs that include behavioral science, nursing, and sports management. Tennessee educators prepare for an administrative role by earning a graduate degree in curriculum and online teaching or educational leadership. Trevecca offers more than two dozen online degrees that do not require any campus visits.

Trevecca's Center for Student Development (CSD) runs the university's freshman orientation program. CSD's career advisors provide students with resources for resume and cover letter preparation. Prospective high school learners contact CSD to register for the university's ACT Prep Workshop.

Undergraduate application materials include high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Some graduate degrees require a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and specific undergraduate prerequisites. Incoming freshmen who earned a minimum 29 ACT score and a 3.5 high school GPA qualify for the full-tuition McClurkan Scholars Scholarship.

Many universities in Tennessee, including TCAT-Jackson, give learners a career-aligned educational experience. The college's academic programs feature practical nursing, computer systems information, and welding technology. These programs confer a certificate or diploma and take approximately one year to complete.

Orientation involves downloading the Student Handbook, viewing financial aid videos, and completing a brief training course. TCAT-Jackson runs a laptop loan program for learners without technology resources at home. Some enrollees work while in school by signing up for an on-campus work-study program.

TCAT-Jackson accepts GED and HiSET scores. Some programs require a medical exam, background check, or professional experience. Certificates and diplomas charge a flat tuition rate to all learners regardless of residency. Students who need financial aid apply for federal grants and loans. Tennessee residents who recently graduated from high school qualify for the Tennessee Promise scholarship.

UofM's extensive academic offerings attract on-campus undergraduate and graduate students as well as online learners living all over the world. Bachelor's degrees include African and African American studies, architecture, and interdisciplinary studies. Graduate degree-seekers select from more than 120 options. The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law features two tracks for aspiring lawyers.

UofM stands apart from other colleges in Tennessee by dedicating an entire student services department to nontraditional learners' unique needs. The university's Career Services (CS) counselors offer mock interviews, one-on-one advising sessions, and document reviews at no additional cost. Students explore and use CS resources through Handshake.

Freshman applicants complete a first-time applicant checklist that requires standardized test scores and high school prerequisites. UofM accepts prospective students who passed the GED. The university charges out-of-state students a higher tuition rate. However, many undergraduate learners qualify for an institutional scholarship.

Learners studying at Lee's Cleveland campus select from 49 majors that include English, French, and health science. Although the university offers fewer graduate programs than other colleges in Tennessee, Lee provides two master's degrees for aspiring ministers. Additionally, the university offers one of these master's programs, ministry studies, entirely online.

Lee's Student Development office provides learners with a leadership development course, volunteering opportunities, and a summer honors program for recent high school graduates who plan to attend Lee in the fall. Also, Career Services advisors run a mentoring program for undergraduates.

Applicants need either a minimum 2.0 high school GPA or a 900 score on the GED exam. They must also submit ACT or SAT scores. Graduate admission requirements vary by program. New students apply for the Lee Scholarship by submitting the Endowment Scholarship application by either Nov. 15 or Feb. 1.

Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Tech features numerous bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in agriculture, curriculum and instruction, and engineering. The university also offers multiple liberal arts programs, such as a master's in music and a doctorate in library science. The university's secondary education programs train aspiring and practicing Tennessee educators.

Tennessee Tech invests in incoming freshmen's academic success with the Launchpad first-year advising program. The Center for Career Development (CCD) provides all services through Handshake, including virtual advising appointments, career exploration resources, and InterviewStream software. CCD advisors help learners who plan to transfer or enroll in a graduate program with researching other colleges in Tennessee.

Prospective freshmen ages 20 and younger need a high school diploma and standardized test scores. Older incoming students take the ACCUPLACER for English and mathematics placement purposes. Finally, new degree-seekers need only to submit one financial aid application to apply for all institutional scholarships.

Named after American politician William Jennings Bryan, Bryan College offers more than two dozen undergraduate degrees on its Dayton campus. These Tennessee bachelor's programs include biblical and theological studies, Christian ministry, and engineering technology and management. Some majors, such as English and music, feature two or more concentration options.

The office of Calling and Career Services (CCS) provides the job-hunting skills students need by hosting etiquette dinners, offering mock interviews, and inviting local employers on campus for career fairs. CCS also works one-on-one with learners to craft a resume and research internship opportunities. Additionally, degree-seekers with disabilities learn more about academic accommodations by contacting CCS.

Bryan College requires freshmen applicants to hold a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. The college allows transfer students who passed the GED exam to apply as long as they possess 12 or more transferable credits from a regionally accredited institution. Bryan College awards merit-based financial aid in a unique way, as undergraduates earn scholarships by participating in on-campus competitions.

In-state prospective students applying to universities in Tennessee often consider MTSU. Undergraduates on the university's Murfreesboro campus select from over 100 undergraduate majors, including aerospace technology, mechatronics engineering, and French and Francophone studies. Unique graduate degrees include master's programs in fermentation science and aviation safety and security.

Although MTSU educates over 20,000 learners, Students Services advisors provide every degree-seeker with individualized academic counseling sessions. These and other resources extend to online learners, who access the Writing Center, tutors, and the Career Development Center through an online portal.

MTSU offers guaranteed admission to applicants who possess a minimum 3.0 high school GPA or earned exemplary standardized test scores. The university also uses a 2.75 undergraduate GPA cutoff for prospective graduate students. MTSU awards up to $5,000 per year in Freshman Guaranteed Scholarships to first-time college degree-seekers.

King offers 43 undergraduate and graduate degrees on its Bristol campus. Undergraduate majors such as religious studies and information technology feature on-campus and online options. Graduate students pursue one of 16 degrees that include communication and criminal justice entirely online.

New learners make an account on their student portal to access Career Services, tutoring sessions, and orientation materials. As with all colleges in Tennessee, King provides accommodations to students with a disability. Students learn more about specialized resources, such as receiving extra time on exams and testing in a separate room, by contacting the Office of Learning and Disability Services.

King does not ask for standardized test scores or recommendation letters from undergraduate applicants. Check with a program advisor to learn about transfer GPA requirements. King awards over a dozen institutional scholarships, and some require a separate application.

Situated in Jefferson City, C-N offers associate and bachelor's degrees in topics that include Christian ministry, history, and mathematics. Undergraduates training for a career as a K-12 educator select from over a dozen specialization areas. The university features six on-campus graduate programs, including a master of business administration and a master of science in nursing.

Like other Christian colleges in Tennessee, C-N runs a campus ministries program. Additional resources for learners include the Office of Career Development's document review service, internships, and job-hunting guides.

Admission materials for freshman applicants include ACT or SAT scores and FAFSA results. Each graduate program uses different application requirements. Full-time students pay a flat per-semester tuition rate, and merit-based institution scholarships award up to $14,000 per year. Scholarships do not require a separate application. C-N considers learners' high school GPA and standardized test scores.

TWU's academic opportunities include a unique undergraduate core curriculum emphasizing the written word and cultural diversity. Some of the university's dozens of on-campus bachelor's programs include fine arts, mathematics, and sport management. Master's degree-seekers select from three options: teaching, business administration, or occupational therapy. 

TWU pairs each new student with a Success Coach to assist learners with academic skills such as time management and motivation. The university runs a peer tutoring program for students struggling with core academic subjects. Other resources for degree-seekers include the Career and Leadership Development website's links to top private job boards. 

Competitive freshman applicants possess a 2.75 high school GPA or higher. TWU uses a 2.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for transfer credit. Many international prospective students must submit TOEFL scores to prove English proficiency. TWU's institutional scholarships award funding from $1,000 to full tuition.

TCAT-Shelbyville features career-aligned Tennessee programs in automotive technology, practical nursing, and industrial maintenance automation. These programs confer a certificate or diploma and take approximately 12 months to complete. Additionally, the college features supplemental education programs in topics that include structural steel fabricator and computer skills for life.

Students gain professional skills and enhance their resume by signing up for an on-campus job. Learners find the latest open positions on the TCAT-Shelbyville website. Learners can also connect with a Student Services advisor for help registering for courses or obtaining transcripts.

TCAT-Shelbyville runs a dual-enrollment program for local high school students. Learners submit either high school or GED transcripts. Each program charges a flat tuition rate to all students, no matter their enrollment status. In-state residents who recently graduated high school qualify for the Tennessee Promise, a two-year full-tuition scholarship.

JUTN differs from other universities in Tennessee by offering on-campus programs in Florida. Bachelor's degrees for Tennessee residents include English, music education, and religious studies. Future education leaders select from 12 graduate programs such as educational technology and holistic education. JUTN also features three online master's degrees.

The JUTN Career Services Office (CSO) hosts workshops and events, provides one-on-one advising sessions, and posts local internship opportunities. Learners make a virtual or in-person CSO appointment by submitting an online form. Tthe University Counseling Center helps students deal with personal issues and plan their future.

JUTN's application checklist includes high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Some programs use a standardized test score cutoff. Prospective graduate students also submit standardized test scores as well as one recommendation letter. JUTN considers new students' high school GPA when making scholarship decisions. New degree-seekers receive up to $8,000 per year in merit-based aid.

ETSU's 140 academic programs and small class sizes attract on-campus and online learners. Bachelor's degrees that lead to a lucrative career include accountancy, engineering technology, and environmental health. Additionally, graduate learners earning a master's in counseling, nursing, and education select from two or more concentrations.

The Advisement Resources Career Center (ARCC) hosts academic advising and career services under one roof. ARCC's counselors assist learners with creating an academic plan and a career path. Degree-seekers make an appointment on Handshake. Handshake also provides a job board and information regarding career fairs.

ETSU accepts transfer students from other colleges in Tennessee and uses different GPA requirements depending on how many credits applicants attempted at their previous school. All prospective graduate students need a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and must submit a personal essay. ETSU institutional scholarships require a separate application and award funding to undergraduate and graduate learners.