In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 9 four-year public Tennessee colleges is $20,201, reflecting a 1.06% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 9 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 8 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ranks as the most expensive public Tennessee colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $33,256. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are Middle Tennessee State University at$31,574 and Tennessee State University at$22,416 both consistently recognized among the Tennessee Public Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
At these High-Cost Tennessee Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 75.65%, and the average SAT score is 1,098, 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 - | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TNPublic, 4-year | $33,256 ($13,812) $1,282 | $34,760 ($15,972) $2,652 | 41.60% | 38,728 | 1,280 | 74.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 2 - | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TNPublic, 4-year | $31,574 ($10,266) $2,532 | $29,700 ($11,718) $1,530 | 69.09% | 20,488 | 1,130 | 54.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 3 - | Tennessee State University Nashville, TNPublic, 4-year | $22,416 ($8,616) $132 | $23,808 ($11,188) $292 | 70.11% | 6,310 | 960 | 34.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 4 1 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TNPublic, 4-year | $18,512 ($10,448) $304 | $19,174 ($11,110) $322 | 81.09% | 11,775 | 1,100 | 50.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 5 1 | The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TNPublic, 4-year | $16,600 ($10,560) $366 | $12,978 ($11,916) $342 | 88.20% | 7,499 | 1,110 | 53.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 6 2 | Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TNPublic, 4-year | $15,576 ($11,376) $4,540 | $15,746 ($12,386) $4,994 | 76.13% | 10,511 | 1,180 | 58.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 7 - | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublic, 4-year | $15,384 ($10,728) $600 | $15,840 ($11,628) $612 | 72.03% | 20,276 | 1,035 | 51.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 8 - | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublic, 4-year | $14,766 ($9,006) $547 | $15,702 ($10,518) $589 | 96.41% | 10,439 | 1,005 | 40.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 9 - | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublic, 4-year | $13,726 ($10,216) $692 | $26,486 ($11,366) $582 | 86.19% | 13,728 | 1,080 | 53.00% | 15 to 1 |
| Average | $20,201 ($10,559) | $21,577 ($11,978) | 75.65% | 15,528 | 1,098 | 51.89% | 16 to 1 |