If you are a high school student considering attending college in Tennessee, you may wonder which schools are the best. There are many fantastic colleges and universities in this state, but these stand out above the rest. Each has unique strengths and benefits, so choosing the right school for you is essential. Check out our list of the top 10 best colleges in Tennesse and see for yourself!
10. Lipscomb University
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University is a private institution founded in 1891. The university has a student body of approximately 4,500 students and offers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors. Lipscomb also has an NCAA Division I athletics program and is a member of The ASUN Conference. In addition to its academics, the university is known for its beautiful campus, featuring landscaped gardens, fountains, and a lake.
9. Lee University
Based in Cleveland, Tennessee, Lee University is a private university. Initially founded in 1918, it now has over 5,000 students. The university receives accreditation frequently from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools because it provides a difficult academic experience and prepares students for success in their chosen careers. With that in mind, Lee University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The school is also a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) and is home to an NCAA Division II athletics program. Not only that, but Lee University has a beautiful campus and is in a safe community. I would highly recommend Lee University to anyone looking for quality education.
8. Sewanee: The University of the South
Based in Sewanee, Tennessee, The University of the South is a private liberal arts college that affiliates with the Episcopal Church. The university was founded in 1857 and today has an enrollment of around 1,700 students. The university offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 majors, as well as several master’s and doctoral programs. The University of the South is perhaps best known for its NCAA Division III athletics program, including 18 varsity teams known as the Sewanee Tigers. Specifically, it competes in the South Atlantic Association (SAA). Overall, the University of the South is a comprehensive institution that offers its students a well-rounded educational experience.
7. Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University, referred to as CBU, is a private Catholic institution founded in 1871 in Memphis, Tennessee. The university enrolls more than 1,000 students from across the country and offers more than 30 academic programs. CBU is best known for its NCAA Division II athletics program, which competes in the Gulf South Conference. The CBU men’s basketball team has won four conference championships and made one appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament. The university also offers various sports teams and intramural sports leagues. In addition to athletics, CBU students are involved in many campus organizations, including student government, service groups, and honor societies. With its commitment to academic excellence and focus on the student experience, Christian Brothers University is an ideal place for students looking to get the most out of their college experience.
6. Rhodes College
Rhodes College is a private college specializing in liberal arts in Memphis, Tennessee. The school was founded in 1848 and affiliates with the Presbyterian Church. Rhodes College offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 majors, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The college is also home to an NCAA Division III athletics program and competes in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). In addition, Rhodes College ranks as one of the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. It also is one of the country’s “Best Value Colleges,” according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Rhodes College’s purpose is to provide its students with an excellent and diverse education. In addition to its challenging academic programs, the college also offers opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and athletics. With a strong commitment to service, Rhodes College prepares its students for success both in their careers and personal lives.
5. East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University, commonly referred to as ETSU, is a public university in Johnson City, Tennessee. The university receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Founded in 1911 as East Tennessee State Normal School and became East Tennessee State Teachers College in 1925. In 1930, the name was changed to East Tennessee State College, and finally, to East Tennessee State University in 1963. Today, the university has over 14,000 students. ETSU offers a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university is reputable for its excellent medical, business, and education programs. In addition, ETSU has an NCAA Division I level athletics program for all sports except football. East Tennessee University is also a Southeastern Conference (SEC).
4. Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University, known as MT, is a public university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is also home to an NCAA Division I level athletics program, which competes in Conference USA. Middle Tennessee State University is highly reputable due to its long history of academic excellence and integrable faculty members who are experts in their fields. The university is also well-known for its robust research commitment and state-of-the-art facilities. In recent years, Middle Tennessee State University has become one of the most popular universities in the state, and its enrollment has snowballed. As a result, the university is now one of the largest universities in Tennessee.
3. Belmont University
Belmont University, often referred to as BU, is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee. The institution was founded in 1890 and currently has over 8,000 students. Belmont University also receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school offers bachelor’s degrees in over 90 areas of study and master’s degrees in 25 different fields. Belmont University has an NCAA Division I level basketball program and competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The school also has several other sports teams competing at the NCAA Division I level, such as cross-country, golf, and soccer.
2. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee, referred to as U.T. or UTK, is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a flagship university of the state of Tennessee, also serving as the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. The University of Tennessee also receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. The University of Tennessee has over 28,000 students and a 2,000-acre campus. The university offers several programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also home to an NCAA Division I level athletics program that competes in the SEC conference. The University of Tennessee has a long tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and research. It is one of the top public research universities in the United States and consistently ranks among the nation’s best higher education institutions.
1. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private university specializing in research in Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1873 and was named after Cornelius Vanderbilt, who donated the school’s initial $1 million endowments. Today, Vanderbilt has an endowment of over $5 billion and an enrollment of over 12,000 students. The university ranks as one of the top research universities in the United States. It is also a well-known member of the Association of American Universities. Vanderbilt is also home to a highly respected NCAA Division I athletics program, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The school’s football team has won eight national championships, and its men’s basketball team has won five SEC titles. Vanderbilt also offers various academic programs, with over 70 majors and minors available to undergraduates. In addition, the university has prestigious graduate programs in law, medicine, business, and engineering. Vanderbilt University is an internationally respected institution of higher learning and a fixture of the Nashville community.