Best Colleges in Tennessee

A globally renowned center of research and learning, Vanderbilt University takes the top spot on our ranking of the best colleges in Tennessee. Each year, nearly 5,000 students earn their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at the university. These graduates go on to join a network of alumni that includes governors, members of Congress, Nobel Prize winners, business leaders, and professional athletes.

At Vanderbilt, students explore topics such as applied clinical informatics, educational leadership and policy, mechanical engineering, and public health. In addition to the programs available at the university's campus in downtown Nashville, both the Peabody School of Education and the School of Engineering offer fully online degrees.

Applying to Vanderbilt as a first-year student requires a high school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT scores, and at least two letters of recommendation. In addition to their undergraduate transcripts, graduate applicants usually must also submit results from an exam like the GRE or GMAT. Admission to the university is need-blind, and Vanderbilt meets 100% of each student's demonstrated financial need.

Sewanee provides a high-quality education in an intimate learning environment, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 11-to-1, an average class size of only 15, and undergraduate student body of 1,700. While a small school in terms of enrollment, the university sits on a 13,000-acre campus, providing extensive research and recreational opportunities for both students and faculty.

Undergraduate students at Sewanee can choose from 37 majors and 43 minors, including archaeology, computer science, environmental arts and humanities, and philosophy. Regardless of their area of study, all students receive a comprehensive liberal arts education, learning to think critically, write clearly, and conduct research through multiple lines of inquiry.

First-year applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and two letters of recommendation. As a test-optional institution, Sewanee allows students to choose whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. Starting in 2020, the university will meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all incoming students.

Of the more than 200 full-time faculty who teach at Rhodes College, 98% hold the highest possible degrees in their fields. With an average class size of only 14, students at the college enjoy unparalleled access to expert instruction and personal attention.

Alongside master's programs in urban education and accounting, Rhodes offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in fields such as anthropology, economics and international studies, modern languages and literature, and theater. The college also encourages students to supplement their classroom learning with practical experiences. As a result, roughly 70% of the student body completes at least one internship, and 75% participate in a study abroad or regional exchange program.

First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and letters of recommendation from both a teacher and guidance counselor. Rhodes is a selective institution, with almost half of all admitted students ranking within the top 10% of their high school class.

Tennessee Tech equips its students with the knowledge and skills needed for technologically driven careers. Programs of study available at the university include agricultural engineering technology, business intelligence and analytics, information assurance, and civil and environmental engineering. Online master's and doctoral programs give students the flexibility to develop new professional skills on their own schedule and from the comfort of their own home.

Undergraduate students with strong academic achievement can apply to enter the Tennessee Tech honors program. Honors students participate in smaller seminar classes, work alongside faculty on research and creative projects, take advantage of selective experiential learning opportunities, and receive specialized advising services. Certain scholarships are also available exclusively to honors students.

Traditional undergraduate applicants typically must possess a high school diploma with at least a 3.0 GPA to earn admission. Prospective students with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 must also hold a composite ACT score of 17 or higher.

Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is the flagship institution of the University of Tennessee System. The university enrolls close to 30,000 students each year and offers more than 900 undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Through the Vols Online distance education platform, students can earn fully online bachelor's and master's degrees in disciplines such as nursing, social work, civil engineering, and educational psychology.

UT Knoxville also serves as a leader in global education. The college hosts more than 300 study abroad programs, giving students the option to conduct field research alongside faculty members, study at a foreign university, or participate in an overseas internship. Depending on the program they choose, students can receive up to $4,000 to help finance their international studies.

To apply to the university, you must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and an essay. Though not required, the college encourages candidates to send in letters of recommendation. All prospective students who apply by December 15 receive automatic consideration for institutional scholarships.

Middle Tennessee State University strives to provide affordable access to high-quality education, awarding roughly $20M each year in scholarships. The Trustee Scholarship, for example, provides up to $5,000 in annual aid to students with at least a 3.5 GPA and 30 ACT score. The DREAM Scholarship offers $2,000 to veterans, first-generation college students, and other applicants that contribute to the diversity of the student body.

The university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in areas of study such as aeronautical science, criminal justice administration, engineering technology, and special education. Fourteen programs and more than 650 courses are available online, giving students the freedom to learn on their own schedule and at their own pace.

Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma and take either the ACT or SAT. To qualify for guaranteed admission, prospective students must maintain a 3.0 high school GPA or receive a composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT (or 1100 or higher on the SAT).

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers a comprehensive set of student support services, including academic advising, staff and peer tutoring, research and writing assistance, alumni mentoring, and mental health and career counseling. As a result, the university boasts one of the highest graduation rates of any state university in Tennessee.

More than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs allow students the opportunity to explore diverse topics such as animal science, broadcasting, health and human performance, and natural resources management. The university also offers fully online degrees and dual enrollment programs for high school students.

Undergraduate admission requires a high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. Applicants with at least a 2.7 GPA must receive a composite ACT score of at least 21, while those with a 3.0 GPA or higher need an ACT score of 19 or higher. Prospective students with a GED should contact the university's admissions office directly for more information on academic requirements.