Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee

85 Schools Ranked
$39,202 Average Earnings
$23,028 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which business program is right 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 Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. This report analyzed 85 schools in Tennessee to see which ones were the most popular programs for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

1,939 Total Awards
$44,189 Average Earnings
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found The University of Tennessee - Knoxville to be the most popular school for business students in Tennessee. UT Knoxville is a large public school situated in Knoxville, Tennessee. It awarded 1,939 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UT Knoxville accumulate an average of $22,232 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 $325. During the early years of their career, UT Knoxville graduates make an average of $44,189 annually. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#2

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
897 Total Awards
$38,675 Average Earnings
$24,342 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Middle Tennessee State University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in Tennessee. Middle Tennessee State University is a large public school situated in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It awarded 897 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,342 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $144, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full Middle Tennessee State University Report

#3

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
885 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$28,159 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Memphis helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in Tennessee. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the large public school awarded 885 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UofM accumulate an average of $28,159 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $147, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UofM graduates make an average of $41,884 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read More…

#4

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
703 Total Awards
$66,962 Average Earnings
$14,392 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 703 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,392 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Vanderbilt graduates make an average of $66,962 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

572 Total Awards
$46,162 Average Earnings
$25,246 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga is a great place for business students. UT Chattanooga is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 572 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UT Chattanooga accumulate an average of $25,246 in student debt by the time they complete 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. During the early years of their career, UT Chattanooga graduates make an average of $46,162 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read More…

#6

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
463 Total Awards
$46,373 Average Earnings
$26,746 Avg Student Debt

Trevecca Nazarene University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #6 on the list. Trevecca Nazarene University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 463 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TNU accumulate an average of $26,746 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TNU graduates make an average of $46,373 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Trevecca Nazarene University Report

#7

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
460 Total Awards
$38,858 Average Earnings
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

East Tennessee State University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. ETSU is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 460 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,047 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $212, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ETSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,858 during the early years of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Full East Tennessee State University Report

#8

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
431 Total Awards
$40,563 Average Earnings
$19,943 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee Technological University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 431 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Tennessee Tech University accumulate an average of $19,943 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 $103 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Tennessee Tech University graduates make an average of $40,563 annually. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Tennessee Technological University

#9

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee
359 Total Awards
$57,444 Average Earnings
$33,108 Avg Student Debt

Bethel University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #9 on the list. Bethel University is a small private not-for-profit school located in McKenzie, Tennessee that handed out 359 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#10

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee
345 Total Awards
$43,927 Average Earnings
$22,196 Avg Student Debt

Belmont University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 345 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Belmont accumulate an average of $22,196 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $824, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Belmont graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,927 during the early year of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Belmont University

#11

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
323 Total Awards
$47,759 Average Earnings
$26,213 Avg Student Debt

Lipscomb University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Lipscomb is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 323 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,213 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $216, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Lipscomb graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,759 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read full report on Lipscomb University

300 Total Awards
$35,647 Average Earnings
$24,559 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, The University of Tennessee - Martin did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Martin, Tennessee, and it awarded 300 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,559 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $149 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UT Martin graduates make an average of $35,647 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read More…

#13

Strayer University - Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee
285 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$38,671 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Strayer University - Tennessee did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the small private for-profit school awarded 285 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,671 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Strayer University - Tennessee graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,529 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Read full report on Strayer University - Tennessee

#14

Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, Tennessee
283 Total Awards
$31,307 Average Earnings
$14,016 Avg Student Debt

Pellissippi State Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Pellissippi State Community College is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 283 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Pellissippi State Community College accumulate an average of $14,016 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Pellissippi State Community College graduates make an average of $31,307 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#15

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
282 Total Awards
$36,908 Average Earnings
$27,168 Avg Student Debt

Austin Peay State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 282 degrees to qualified students.

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. Once they receive their degree, Austin Peay State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,908 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read More…

#16

King University

Bristol, Tennessee
247 Total Awards
$40,581 Average Earnings
$29,018 Avg Student Debt

King University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #16 on the list. King University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Bristol, Tennessee that handed out 247 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,018 in student loans. During the early years of their career, King graduates make an average of $40,581 annually. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on King University

#17

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee
236 Total Awards
$41,944 Average Earnings
$30,529 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school awarded 236 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,529 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $203. Once they receive their degree, Tennessee State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,944 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#18

Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland, Tennessee
216 Total Awards
$32,755 Average Earnings
$14,700 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Cleveland State Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the small public school awarded 216 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,700 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Cleveland State Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,755 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Cleveland State Community College Report

#19

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee
197 Total Awards
$40,249 Average Earnings
$25,521 Avg Student Debt

Tusculum University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Tusculum University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Greeneville, Tennessee that handed out 197 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Tusculum accumulate an average of $25,521 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Tusculum graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,249 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read More…

#20

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee
192 Total Awards
$53,446 Average Earnings
$34,104 Avg Student Debt

Christian Brothers University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 192 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $34,104 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $199 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Christian Brothers graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,446 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Full Christian Brothers University Report

#21

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
189 Total Awards
$41,113 Average Earnings
$19,639 Avg Student Debt

Cumberland University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. Cumberland University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lebanon, Tennessee that handed out 189 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Cumberland University Report

#22

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
187 Total Awards
$32,791 Average Earnings
$26,373 Avg Student Debt

Lee University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #22 on the list. Lee University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Cleveland, Tennessee that handed out 187 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,373 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $260. During the early years of their career, Lee University graduates make an average of $32,791 annually. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#23

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
184 Total Awards
$57,821 Average Earnings
$32,879 Avg Student Debt

Union University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Union is located in Jackson, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 184 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Union 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.After graduating from Union, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,821 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#24

Bryan College - Dayton

Dayton, Tennessee
152 Total Awards
$46,728 Average Earnings

Bryan College - Dayton did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Dayton, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 152 degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, William Jennings Bryan College graduates make an average of $46,728 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full Bryan College - Dayton Report

#25

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
145 Total Awards
$41,134 Average Earnings
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

Carson - Newman University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in Tennessee ranking. 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.

Degree recipients from Carson - Newman accumulate an average of $23,992 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Carson - Newman graduates make an average of $41,134 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full Carson - Newman University Report

View Most Popular Business Schools Nationwide >

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.