State hub

College costs in Tennessee

Last checked: 2026-10-26

This page lists the 5 pilot schools in Tennessee that are covered in this pilot. The lowest published total cost among them is $25,868 at Tennessee State University, for one year, in state. The full list of 300 pilot schools is on the homepage, and selection for the pilot is explained on the methodology page.

Tennessee averages

FigureAverage
Total cost for one year, in state$41,005
Total cost for one year, out of state$52,242
Average net price for one year$16,632
Acceptance rate61.3%

Averages on this page are simple averages across the pilot schools in Tennessee that publish each figure. They describe the schools listed on this site, not every college in the state.

Schools in Tennessee ranked by total cost

SchoolCityTotal cost, in stateTotal cost, out of stateAverage net price
Tennessee State UniversityNashville$25,868$39,584$9,231
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$27,820$47,356$12,700
University of MemphisMemphis$28,070$32,510$13,656
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$33,678$52,168$20,885
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville$89,590$89,590$26,689

Schools in Tennessee ranked by acceptance rate

SchoolAcceptance rate, fall 2023ApplicantsAdmitted
Vanderbilt University6.3%45,3132,844
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville46.0%50,48823,221
Middle Tennessee State University68.0%14,76310,039
Tennessee State University92.6%12,89011,940
University of Memphis93.4%15,64014,605

Frequently asked questions

How much does college cost in Tennessee?

Across the 5 pilot schools in Tennessee that publish a total cost, the simple average total cost for one year is $41,005 for in state students. Individual schools on this page range from $25,868 upward.

What is the cheapest pilot school in Tennessee on this site?

By published total cost for one year, the lowest is Tennessee State University at $25,868 for in state students. Average net price can change the order, because grant aid differs by school.

What is the average acceptance rate in Tennessee?

Across the 5 pilot schools in Tennessee that publish a rate, the simple average acceptance rate is 61.3% for fall 2023.

Are these every college in Tennessee?

No. This pilot covers 300 schools nationwide, chosen by measured search demand, selectivity, and enrollment, with at least one school in every state. The Tennessee page lists only the pilot schools in the state.

Sources: the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard, United States Department of Education. See the methodology page for sources, years, and how averages are worked out.