Best Colleges in Tennessee

Founded in 1823, Union University offers a Christ-centered liberal arts education to roughly 3,000 students every year. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs at the university provide both foundational and advanced instruction in subjects such as apologetics, cell and molecular biology, photojournalism, and political theory. Through online and hybrid programs, students also can watch lectures, engage with their classmates, and complete assignments on their own terms.

Fifteen university centers give students the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research and build upon their classroom learning. Union's Center for Racial Reconciliation, for example, focuses on faith-based strategies for bridging racial and ethnic divides, while the Center for Population Health and Rural Medicine allows students to develop practical experience in health literacy, disease prevention, and lifestyle modification.

Along with their high school transcripts, first-year applicants must submit scores from either the ACT, SAT, or CLT. Each year, Union awards roughly $22M in financial aid to its students, with approximately $6M going to incoming freshmen.

While many students choose to attend Johnson University to prepare for careers in Christian ministries, the university also awards undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as audio production, global community health, nonprofit administration, and organizational psychology. Students can also earn more than 25 certificates and degrees, including a Ph.D. in leadership studies, entirely online.

Both online and in-person learners enjoy access to a host of career services. Career counselors can, for instance, help students choose a major, identify internships and service-learning opportunities, and connect with JU alumni working in their chosen field. Through group workshops and individual appointments, students can also receive feedback on their resumes and cover letters or prepare for upcoming interviews. The university also hosts a job board exclusively for positions at churches and faith-based organizations.

Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and two references. Prospective students must also sign a personal statement of faith.

Since 1901, Trevecca Nazarene University has been dedicated to serving both the spiritual and intellectual needs of its students. All of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs integrate faith with liberal arts education, allowing students to deepen their relationship with Christ while they explore areas of study such as cybersecurity and digital forensics, game design and development, creative writing, and clinical mental health counseling.

Twenty degrees at Trevecca are available online in an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete their coursework at whatever time best fits their schedule. Online students take one class at a time and advance through their program alongside a cohort of fellow distance learners, helping to replicate the structure and support of on-campus programs.

Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. While Trevecca awards several scholarships to incoming students on the basis of academic achievement, leadership potential, and diversity, these funds are not available to students applying to online programs.

A Christian university located just outside of Nashville, Belmont University hosts undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business systems and analytics, church leadership and administration, fashion merchandising, and social entrepreneurship. Students over the age of 24, along with veterans and current members of the military, can also enroll in bachelor's degree completion programs in accounting, nursing, and social work.

Almost 75% of all Belmont students complete at least one internship during their time at the university, putting their learning into practice and growing their professional networks. As a result, 84% of graduates report finding a job within six months of earning their degree. An additional 10% enroll in graduate school or enlist in volunteer or military service.

Required undergraduate application materials include high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher. About 60% of all incoming freshmen receive some kind of academic merit scholarship, typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year.

As a Christian learning community, King University combines rigorous academics with an exploration of faith. In addition to graduate programs in business, education, and nursing, the university offers many unique areas of undergraduate study, including health informatics, forensic science, and security and intelligence studies. The college offers 17 programs online, including an associate of arts for students who want to begin working toward a bachelor's without choosing a major.

The core curriculum at King requires all undergraduate students to complete a cross-cultural experience. To earn this credit, students must engage in at least 30 hours of direct contact with a culture markedly different from their own, then reflect on their presuppositions and lessons learned. Many students meet this requirement through study abroad experiences, mission trips, or local community service.

Applying to King as a first-year student requires a high school diploma. Prospective students may choose whether to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Affiliated with the Church of Christ, FHU offers online and on-campus degrees in areas such as child and family studies, pastoral care and counseling, instructional leadership, and healthcare management. The university also recently launched several 4+1 programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in education in just five years.

Through the FHU Engaged Learning Initiative, undergraduate students at the university enhance their academic experience and apply their classroom instruction to real-world challenges. Students may conduct academic research, develop creative projects, or participate in community service activities both at home and abroad. FHU offers competitive grants to fund these student projects.

First-year applicants must boast at least a 2.25 high school GPA. They must also receive a score of at least 19 on the ACT or 980 on the SAT. Prospective students who do not meet these academic requirements may apply for provisional admission by submitting at least two letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors.

Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Williamson College offers a personalized and flexible liberal arts experience. Students at the college can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as business administration, ministry leadership, and theological studies. They then can further customize their learning through minors in accounting, nonprofit management, and worship studies.

Students take just one class at a time for a period of five weeks, allowing them to focus more intently on the subject at hand. In addition, classes meet just one evening a week, making it easier for students to balance their learning with outside obligations. Currently, WC does not offer online or hybrid programs.

Applying to the college as an undergraduate requires a high school diploma, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. Generally, prospective students must maintain a 2.0 high school GPA to qualify for admission. They must also receive a score of at least 18 on the ACT or 890 on the SAT.

Student enrollment at Cumberland University has increased by 50% over the past three years, making it one of the fastest-growing liberal arts universities in Tennessee. In addition to more than 100 programs of study available at the university's campus in Lebanon, CU offers fully online bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, education, sports management, and nursing.

An assortment of generous scholarship programs allow students to attend CU regardless of their financial situation. The university's Trustee Scholarship, for example, covers the full tuition cost for students who graduate within the top 5% of their high school class and receive a score of 30 or higher on the ACT. Cumberland Promise Scholarships provide up to $13,000 per year to transfer students who earned an associate degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Dozens of additional endowed scholarships provide aid on the basis of need, academic achievement, leadership potential, and program of study.

Undergraduate applicants typically must hold a 3.0 high school GPA and an ACT score of at least 21, though provisional admission is available to prospective students who do not meet these requirements.

Maryville College, an institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, has provided a rigorous liberal arts education to Tennessee residents for more than 200 years. The college exclusively serves undergraduate students, offering majors such as American Sign Language studies, biopharmaceutical sciences, health and wellness promotion, and outdoor studies and tourism.

To ensure students' professional success, all learners at Maryville must complete a series of career development activities. In their first year, students take an interest and skills assessment and attend a career fair. During year two, students work with a dedicated advisor to shape a personal career development plan. In year three, students participate in an internship, research, or service project to hone new skills. Finally, all undergraduates must complete a reflective and forward-looking capstone project in their senior year.

To qualify for admission at Maryville, you must possess a high school diploma and take the ACT or SAT. Academic, leadership, and talent-based scholarships offered to first-year students range from $15,000 per year up to the full cost of tuition.

Founded in 1897 in honor of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Memorial University educates roughly 5,000 students each year in the Cumberland Gap region of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. The average class size at the university is just 14, giving students the opportunity to build close relationships with both classmates and instructors.

LMU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as athletic training, conservation biology, and media communications. To better serve students in the more remote corners of Appalachia, the university maintains seven satellite campus locations throughout the tri-state area. In addition, the college offers several programs entirely online, including a master of business administration and a bachelor of science in nursing designed specifically for current registered nurses.

To qualify for regular admission, undergraduate applicants must possess at least a 3.2 high school GPA, along with an ACT score of at least 19 or an SAT score of at least 1010. Prospective students who do not meet these requirements may apply for conditional admission through the university's Cornerstone Program.

A Christ-centered institution and member of the Appalachian College Association, Lee University receives high marks for affordability and services for veterans and their families. Programs of study available at the university include music business, higher education administration, and biblical and theological studies. Online programs also give working professionals the flexibility to pursue degrees in business administration and criminal justice.

As a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Lee makes additional financial aid funding available to current and former military personnel. Active duty service members, veterans, and certain qualifying first responders also receive a 34% tuition discount when enrolling in undergraduate non-ministry degree programs at the university.

To apply to Lee as a first-year student, you must possess a high school diploma or GED with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Applicants must also earn a score of at least 17 on the ACT or at least 900 on the SAT. Finally, prospective online students need at least three years of life experience beyond high school.

In 1871, a Catholic teaching order known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers founded Christian Brothers University. Despite the university's religious affiliation, roughly 34 different faiths are represented its student body, and CBU does not require students to participate in religious observances.

Nearly 1,900 students attend CBU, pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as the arts, business, engineering, and nursing. The university also offers two interdisciplinary bachelor's programs, allowing students to customize a course of study to better align with their unique interests and aspirations. Regardless of their major, CBU encourages students to participate in one of 200 internship programs across the Memphis area. These project-based and closely supervised internships typically offer pay in addition to academic credit.

Along with their high school or GED transcripts, all prospective undergraduate students must submit results from either the ACT or SAT. All admitted students then receive automatic consideration for scholarships on the basis of their GPA and standardized test scores.

Owned and operated by the National Association of Free Will Baptists, Welch College offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as biology education, general international business, recreation leadership, and sports management. The college also hosts three fully online associate programs and an online bachelor's in general Christian ministry.

Welch emphasizes both spiritual and academic development, encouraging students to take advantage of daily chapel services, private devotion opportunities, special conferences, and student organization events. All students must also meet a service requirement, such as visiting a nursing home, teaching a Sunday school class, or participating in an international missions trip.

Applying to Welch requires a high school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT scores, two personal references, and one pastoral reference. Although the college does not set minimum academic requirements for applicants, incoming students with low standardized test scores may need to enroll in remedial courses. Online applicants must be at least 23 years old.

Established by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Southern Adventist University works to equip students with the skills needed to find professional success and pursue lives of service. From an original class of just 23 students, the university has grown to serve more than 3,000 learners each year through in-person, online, and hybrid programs.

Southern offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas such as business administration, computer science, Christian counseling, and social work. Students can also personalize their studies through minors in long-term care administration, embedded computer systems, and global community development.

To apply as a first-year student, you must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Southern generally requires applicants to hold a minimum 2.5 high school GPA, along with a composite ACT score of at least 18 or an SAT score of at least 960. Home-schooled students must additionally submit a personal statement outlining the substance and value of their homeschool experience.

Combining a liberal arts education with strong service learning opportunities, Tennessee Wesleyan University prepares students for diverse careers in business, healthcare, and education. More than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs allow the roughly 1,100 learners at the university to explore subjects such as behavioral science, dental hygiene, elementary education, and engineering science.

TWU also offers four fully online degrees. Working adults with some prior college-level learning may quickly complete a bachelor's in management or criminal justice leadership online, while registered nurses can earn an online bachelor's in nursing in as little as two years. Students may also choose to pursue a master's in business administration entirely at a distance.

Undergraduate applicants must possess at least a 2.25 high school GPA and an ACT score of at least 18 (or an SAT score of at least 950). To apply to a degree completion program, you typically must be at least 23 years old with a minimum of three years of professional experience.