Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Find Schools Near

<nil> <nil>

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

$20,810 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,028 Avg Student Debt*

There are so many business programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this <nil> ranking.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Business Schools in Tennessee

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland, Tennessee
216 Total Awards
#17 in Quality in Tennessee
$17,216 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Cleveland State Community College to be the best value school for business students in Tennessee. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the small public school handed out 216 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Cleveland State Community College are $17,216 per year. On average, students take out $14,700 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Cleveland State Community College graduates make an average of $32,755 annually.

Read More…

#2

Roane State Community College

Harriman, Tennessee
57 Total Awards
#20 in Quality in Tennessee
$17,540 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 37 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Roane State Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Roane State Community College is a public institution located in Harriman, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 57 degrees in 2020-2021.

Roane State Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $17,540 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,041 in student loans.After graduating from Roane State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,143 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Roane State Community College

#3

Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, Tennessee
283 Total Awards
$17,272 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,016 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Pellissippi State Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value business schools in Tennessee. This medium-sized public school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it awarded 283 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Pellissippi State Community College are $17,272 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,016 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Pellissippi State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,307 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#4

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, Tennessee
111 Total Awards
$16,934 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,563 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 37 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Chattanooga State Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Chattanooga State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee that handed out 111 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Chattanooga State Community College are $16,934 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,563 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Chattanooga State Community College graduates make an average of $32,219 annually.

Full Chattanooga State Community College Report

#5

Columbia State Community College

Columbia, Tennessee
47 Total Awards
$18,124 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,909 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Columbia State Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s list. Located in Columbia, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 47 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Columbia State Community College are $18,124 a year. On average, students take out $16,909 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Columbia State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,550 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

572 Total Awards
#7 in Quality in Tennessee
$25,966 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga ranked #6 on this year’s list. UT Chattanooga is a fairly large public school situated in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It awarded 572 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UT Chattanooga are $25,966 per year. On average, students take out $25,246 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $162, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Chattanooga, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,162 during the early years of their career.

UT Chattanooga excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our list.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

#7

Nashville State Community College

Nashville, Tennessee
118 Total Awards
$17,188 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,851 Avg Student Debt

Nashville State Community College ranked #7 on this year’s list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 118 students in 2020-2021.

Nashville State Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $17,188 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,851 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Nashville State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,207 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Nashville State Community College

1,939 Total Awards
#2 in Quality in Tennessee
$31,664 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville landed the #8 spot in the rankings for the best value business programs. UT Knoxville is a large public school situated in Knoxville, Tennessee. It awarded 1,939 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UT Knoxville are $31,664 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $325, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UT Knoxville graduates make an average of $44,189 annually.

UT Knoxville not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #2 on our list.

Read More…

#9

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
897 Total Awards
#12 in Quality in Tennessee
$28,264 Average Tuition & Fees

Middle Tennessee State University landed the #9 spot in the rankings for the best value business programs. Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 897 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Middle Tennessee State University are $28,264 a year. On average, students take out $24,342 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $144. Once they receive their degree, Middle Tennessee State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,675 during the early year of their career.

Full Middle Tennessee State University Report

#9

Northeast State Community College

Blountville, Tennessee
107 Total Awards
$17,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,950 Avg Student Debt

Northeast State Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the ranking. Located in Blountville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 107 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Northeast State Technical Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $17,238 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,950 in student loans.After graduating from Northeast State Technical Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,005 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#11

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
885 Total Awards
#10 in Quality in Tennessee
$14,088 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Memphis came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the ranking. This large public school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 885 degrees in 2020-2021.

UofM undergraduate students pay an average of $14,088 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $28,159 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $147 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UofM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,884 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Memphis Report

#12

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
431 Total Awards
#9 in Quality in Tennessee
$19,834 Average Tuition & Fees

Tennessee Technological University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for business students. It came in at #12 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Cookeville, Tennessee, and it awarded 431 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Tennessee Tech University are $19,834 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,943 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $103.After graduating from Tennessee Tech University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,563 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#13

Bryan College - Dayton

Dayton, Tennessee
152 Total Awards
#4 in Quality in Tennessee
$17,360 Average Tuition & Fees

Bryan College - Dayton came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the ranking. William Jennings Bryan College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Dayton, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 152 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at William Jennings Bryan College are $17,360 a year. Once they receive their degree, William Jennings Bryan College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,728 during the early year of their career.

William Jennings Bryan College also took the #4 spot in our rankings.

Read More…

300 Total Awards
#14 in Quality in Tennessee
$15,952 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tennessee - Martin ranked #14 on this year’s list. Martin, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 300 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UT Martin are $15,952 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,559 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $149, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Martin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,647 during the early year of their career.

Full The University of Tennessee - Martin Report

#15

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee
236 Total Awards
#24 in Quality in Tennessee
$21,692 Average Tuition & Fees

Tennessee State University ranked #15 on this year’s list. Tennessee State University is a public institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 236 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Tennessee State University are $21,692 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,529 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $203 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Tennessee State University graduates make an average of $41,944 annually.

Read full report on Tennessee State University

#16

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
184 Total Awards
#8 in Quality in Tennessee
$16,520 Average Tuition & Fees

Union University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the ranking. Union is a private not-for-profit institution located in Jackson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 184 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Union are $16,520 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $32,879 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $477 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Union graduates make an average of $57,821 annually.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Union also is in the top 20% of our ranking.

Read full report on Union University

#17

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee
359 Total Awards
#13 in Quality in Tennessee
$13,981 Average Tuition & Fees

Bethel University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the ranking. Located in McKenzie, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 359 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Bethel undergraduate students pay an average of $13,981 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,108 in student loans.After graduating from Bethel, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,444 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#18

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
460 Total Awards
$12,740 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

East Tennessee State University ranked #18 on this year’s list. ETSU is located in Johnson City, Tennessee and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 460 degrees to qualified students.

ETSU undergraduate students pay an average of $12,740 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,047 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $212 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ETSU graduates make an average of $38,858 annually.

Full East Tennessee State University Report

#19

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
282 Total Awards
$13,975 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,168 Avg Student Debt

Austin Peay State University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the ranking. Austin Peay State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Clarksville, Tennessee. It awarded 282 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Austin Peay State University are $13,975 a year. On average, students take out $27,168 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Austin Peay State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,908 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Austin Peay State University

#20

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
189 Total Awards
#18 in Quality in Tennessee
$25,412 Average Tuition & Fees

Cumberland University landed the #20 spot in the rankings for the best value business programs. Located in Lebanon, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 189 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CU are $25,412 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,639 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,113 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Cumberland University

#21

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee
197 Total Awards
$26,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,521 Avg Student Debt

Tusculum University ranked #21 on this year’s list. Located in Greeneville, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 197 degrees in 2020-2021.

Tusculum undergraduate students pay an average of $26,510 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $25,521 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Tusculum, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,249 during the early years of their career.

Full Tusculum University Report

#22

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
463 Total Awards
#15 in Quality in Tennessee
$26,898 Average Tuition & Fees

Trevecca Nazarene University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the ranking. TNU is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 463 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at TNU are $26,898 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,746 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from TNU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,373 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Trevecca Nazarene University

#23

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
145 Total Awards
#22 in Quality in Tennessee
$31,320 Average Tuition & Fees

Carson - Newman University landed the #23 spot in the rankings for the best value business programs. Carson - Newman is a private not-for-profit institution located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 145 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Carson - Newman are $31,320 a year. On average, students take out $23,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Carson - Newman graduates make an average of $41,134 annually.

Read More…

#24

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
323 Total Awards
#5 in Quality in Tennessee
$35,752 Average Tuition & Fees

Lipscomb University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the ranking. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 323 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Lipscomb are $35,752 per year. On average, students take out $26,213 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $216 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lipscomb, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,759 during the early years of their career.

Lipscomb also made our list, coming in at #5.

Full Lipscomb University Report

#25

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
113 Total Awards
#25 in Quality in Tennessee
$23,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Freed-Hardeman University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the ranking. FHU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Henderson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 113 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at FHU are $23,300 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,617 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, FHU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,293 during the early year of their career.

Full Freed-Hardeman University Report

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.

Visit School

Find Business Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited business colleges across the U.S.