2025 Cheapest Tennessee Public Colleges

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 9 four-year Tennessee Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees 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.

East Tennessee State University ranks as the least expensive public Tennessee colleges. With tuition and fees at just $13,726, East Tennessee State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are Austin Peay State University at$14,766 and University of Memphis at$15,384 both consistently recognized among the Tennessee Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

At these Affordable 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.

Comparison between Tennessee Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. Tennessee Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublic, 4-year $13,726
($10,216)
$692		$26,486
($11,366)
$582		86.19%13,7281,08053.00%15 to 1
2
-		Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublic, 4-year $14,766
($9,006)
$547		$15,702
($10,518)
$589		96.41%10,4391,00540.00%14 to 1
3
-		University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublic, 4-year $15,384
($10,728)
$600		$15,840
($11,628)
$612		72.03%20,2761,03551.00%16 to 1
4
2		Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TNPublic, 4-year $15,576
($11,376)
$4,540		$15,746
($12,386)
$4,994		76.13%10,5111,18058.00%16 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%7,4991,11053.00%16 to 1
6
1		The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TNPublic, 4-year $18,512
($10,448)
$304		$19,174
($11,110)
$322		81.09%11,7751,10050.00%18 to 1
7
-		Tennessee State University Nashville, TNPublic, 4-year $22,416
($8,616)
$132		$23,808
($11,188)
$292		70.11%6,31096034.00%13 to 1
8
-		Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TNPublic, 4-year $31,574
($10,266)
$2,532		$29,700
($11,718)
$1,530		69.09%20,4881,13054.00%17 to 1
9
-		The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TNPublic, 4-year $33,256
($13,812)
$1,282		$34,760
($15,972)
$2,652		41.60%38,7281,28074.00%18 to 1
Average$20,201
($10,559)		$21,577
($11,978)		75.65%15,5281,09851.89%16 to 1