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 35 four-year Tennessee Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $28,264, reflecting a -0.16% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 35 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 28 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 2 colleges.
Lane College ranks as the least expensive 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 East Tennessee State University at$13,726 and Austin Peay State University at$14,766 both consistently recognized among the Tennessee Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Tennessee Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 80.04%, and the average SAT score is 1,061, 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 - | 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 |
| 3 - | 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 |
| 4 - | 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 |
| 5 5 | 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 |
| 6 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 |
| 7 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 |
| 8 1 | South College Knoxville, TNPrivate, 4-year | $18,535 $600 | $28,849 $600 | - | 11,557 | - | 42.00% | 25 to 1 |
| 8 | South College-Nashville Nashville, TNPrivate, 4-year | $18,535 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 10 4 | Bethel University McKenzie, TNPrivate, 4-year | $18,712 $1,182 | $15,525 $2,133 | 60.23% | 2,936 | 920 | 35.00% | 15 to 1 |
| Average | $16,214 ($10,389) | $18,788 ($11,487) | 80.04% | 9,940 | 1,061 | 44.44% | 17 to 1 |