For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Tennessee is $11,558 for Tennessee residents and $21,089 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Tennessee, the average tuition & fees are $24,565 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Tennessee is $11,687 for Tennessee residents and $20,706 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Tennessee, the average graduate tuition is $18,402.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,738 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,404. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Tennessee is $29,007 for residents and $38,538 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $40,006. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $6,052 for Tennessee residents and $19,302 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Tennessee Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $29,007 | $38,538 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $6,052 | $19,302 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $40,006 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Tennessee, 150 out of 158 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 49 public and 88 private colleges in Tennessee. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Tennessee is $10,045 for Tennessee residents and $19,351 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $24,565
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,581 for residents and $17,831 for out-of-state students.
| Tennessee Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $10,045 | $19,351 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $24,565 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $4,581 | $17,831 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $12,233 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Tennessee, 57 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Tennessee is $10,089 for Tennessee residents and $19,069 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $17,423
| Tennessee Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $10,089 | $19,069 |
| Private Schools | $17,423 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Tennessee is $335 for Tennessee residents and $733 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $917
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $545 for Tennessee residents and $1,029 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $820
| Tennessee Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $335 | $733 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $917 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $178 | $701 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $545 | $1,029 |
| Private Schools | $820 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Tennessee
At colleges in Tennessee, the average living cost is $14,738 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,404 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,083 | $16,668 |
| Private Schools | $14,290 | $16,275 |
