Choosing a college in Tennessee doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Tennessee are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Tennessee , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 26 four-year Tennessee Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $31,055, reflecting a -1.19% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 26 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 20 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Lane College ranks as the least expensive private Tennessee colleges. With tuition and fees at just $11,790, Lane College offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are South College at$18,535 and Bethel University at$18,712 both consistently recognized among the Tennessee Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Tennessee Private Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 65.04%, and the average SAT score is 1,105, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Lane College Jackson, TNPrivate, 4-year | $11,790 - | - | - | 738 | - | 18.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 2 1 | South College Knoxville, TNPrivate, 4-year | $18,535 $600 | $28,849 $600 | - | 11,557 | - | 42.00% | 25 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Bethel University McKenzie, TNPrivate, 4-year | $18,712 $1,182 | $15,525 $2,133 | 60.23% | 2,936 | 920 | 35.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 4 - | Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, TNPrivate, 4-year | $19,800 $900 | $10,910 $1,080 | - | 1,701 | - | 50.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 5 11 | King University Bristol, TNPrivate, 4-year | $20,397 $14,403 | $16,073 $1,891 | 99.72% | 1,157 | - | 48.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 6 - | Johnson University Knoxville, TNPrivate, 4-year | $21,122 $804 | $8,305 $1,980 | 65.11% | 978 | 1,040 | 57.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 7 - | Lee University Cleveland, TNPrivate, 4-year | $23,790 $1,100 | $17,480 $810 | 70.52% | 3,714 | 1,130 | 63.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 8 1 | Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TNPrivate, 4-year | $25,620 $620 | $11,970 $270 | 59.68% | 2,306 | 1,020 | 71.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Fisk University Nashville, TNPrivate, 4-year | $25,858 $1,560 | $26,188 $2,609 | 37.42% | 1,059 | 1,420 | 30.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TNPrivate, 4-year | $26,938 $788 | $22,154 $1,071 | 62.59% | 6,081 | 1,100 | 50.00% | 10 to 1 |
| Average | $21,256 | $17,495 | 65.04% | 3,223 | 1,105 | 46.40% | 14 to 1 |