Best Online Colleges in Tennessee

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $490
Out-of-State | $1,266

Credits to Graduate: 121

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a public land-grant research university set on 910 acres with 294 buildings and over $1 billion in projects under design and construction. It's home to 11 colleges with 31,701 students.

The university offers over 70 fully online degree and certificate programs, covering 77 areas of interest. With 35 years of experience in distance education, UT is a leader in online learning. 

With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and a 72% graduation rate, it offers excellent academics with a personalized experience.

Choose from seven online bachelor's degrees, including agriculture, early childhood education, health and human sciences, applied data analytics, information sciences, business administration, and nursing.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395

Credits to Graduate: 120

Bryan College-Dayton is set on a 128-acre campus in Dayton, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Of the 1,450 students, over 400 students are enrolled in Bryan College's online programs including graduate, distance learning, and degree completion programs.

Bryan College offers over 50 areas of study, ranging from associate degrees to master's degrees and over 30 online degrees and certificates. Popular majors include business, psychology, education, philosophy, and religious studies.

If you need financial aid, you're not alone. Around 95% of the student body receives financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $550
Out-of-State | $550

Credits to Graduate: 126

Lipscomb University calls itself a standard-bearer in Christian higher education. Lipscomb's vision is to create intellectually challenging academics with spiritual formation while engaging the world for good. 

Lipscomb is known for a high student placement rate of 95% within six months of graduation and a low 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Choose from a variety of 100% online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

You can earn bachelor's degrees 100% online in business administration, data analytics, hospitality management, public administration, psychology, technology management, supply chain management, or integrated studies.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $915
Out-of-State | $915

Credits to Graduate: 120

Lee University, set on 127 acres in Cleveland, Tennessee, is known for its adult education programs. It has a low 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and just 3,680 total students. Lee offers 52 majors and has an 81% retention rate. 

Lee offers 34 bachelor's degrees. Popular bachelor's majors include criminal justice, Christian studies, bible and theology, and ministry leadership. All bachelor's programs include core areas in general education and religion. 

The average ACT score for acceptance is 23. Online tuition is less than on-campus tuition.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475

Credits to Graduate: 120

Johnson University is a Christian university set on the French Broad River in south Knoxville. Johnson University calls itself "a place that changes your future, your relationships, and your faith."

Johnson’s undergraduate programs include seven different schools for diverse majors and areas of professional study. Online bachelor's degrees include applied linguistics, business administration, intercultural commerce, intercultural studies, ministry leadership, pastoral care and counseling, psychology, and visual media production and design.

Unique on-campus degrees include music technology, cross-cultural media communication, sports and fitness leadership, and intercultural commerce. Most undergrad degrees include an internship. JU reports that 84% of alumni are satisfied with what they learned in their major.