Going to college is a privilege that not many can afford. The rising tuition fees, budget cuts, and even course shortages make it even more challenging. It can be disheartening to many students who aspire to attain a higher education, which often means a bigger chance to build a stable career and reap greater success.
Fortunately, there is a growing trend that serves as a perfect alternative to traditional classes. Online education has grown popular in recent years. Its reputation has dramatically improved, fueling its expansion. It is now widely believed that online learning is just as effective as classroom education.
One of the significant advantages of online education is the flexibility and convenience it provides. This means that students from different backgrounds, whether they are working professionals or recent high school graduates, can manage their college education and personal responsibilities at the same time.
In Tennessee, state support for incoming first-year students is considerably high. Student grant and aid programs are rolled out every year. On top of that, most colleges and universities in Tennessee also offer distance learning programs. This helps a lot of students save on additional college expenses like room and board, transportation, and other fees entailed by attending on-campus classes.
METHODOLOGY
The State of Tennessee is home to a wealth of online schools, but not all of them demonstrate the same commitment to academic excellence and advancement. To help you make your decision, the staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have compiled the 5 Top Online Schools in Tennessee. Each of the top-rated distance learning institutions on this list features:
- Rigorous coursework to develop and sharpen the skills of students and make the best professionals,
- A top-quality and technologically advanced virtual learning platform that offers students easy access to their coursework and technical support,
- Industry experts as faculty members,
- Accreditation from academic agencies and organizations that ensure academic superiority.
Get the details on our ranking process. Visit our Methodology Page.
University of Memphis
Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis started way back, accumulating more than 100 years of experience in educating students from all over the world. With its prominent faculty and researchers, the university has become a leader in over 250 fields of study, giving its students a wealth of academic choices.
There is a great emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. Being located in a city considered as a hub of international commerce, culture, and creativity, the University of Memphis provides endless paths for students to indulge in their passion and reach their dreams. This includes an opportunity to avail of their degrees without having to attend classes on campus.
The university brings learning to its students through the University of Memphis Global (UofM Global). Developed by the university’s faculty, who are respected experts in their fields, the online courses provide flexibility and portability. This means students can access their classes and resources online. Most of the online offerings are entirely asynchronous, semester-based classes. Students can participate in class whenever they can and wherever they are.
Most courses and programs can be taken entirely online. Some of these degree programs include Bachelor’s in Accounting, Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Master’s in History, Bachelor’s in Public Health, and so much more.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Above-average GPA (3.33)
- Official SAT/ACT scores
- Official high school transcripts
- Admission application plus $25 non-refundable fee
Accreditations:
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- American Chemical Society
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and Computing Accreditation Commission (ABET and CAC)
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- American Psychological Association
- National
Association of School Psychologists
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Professionals - American Psychological Association
- Council on Social Work Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- International Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
East Tennessee State University
Founded in 1911, the East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. It provides a student-centered community of learning. There is a great emphasis on high standards while promoting a balance of liberal arts and professional preparation and continuous improvement. There is a wide array of educational and research programs as well. The university’s mission is to prioritize education, aiming to increase the level of educational attainment in the state and region. The university has over 14,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
While the university has dozens of programs and courses offered on campus, it has also extended its doors to students who cannot attend traditional classroom classes through its online program. Taught by award-winning faculty, the ESTU online provides students with a quality education while giving them the flexibility they need. There are online courses that they can take online and 200% online programs that are just as competitive as their on-campus counterparts.
The online programs are of the highest quality. It is also convenient because it lets students complete their coursework at a pace they set themselves, anytime and anywhere. Some of the most notable degree programs that are entirely available online are Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and so much more.
Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.3 or 19 ACT composite
- Passed 16 required high school courses
- Completed admission application
- Official high school transcript
- Official test scores for the ACT or SAT
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International (AACSB)
- Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association (CODA)
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
- National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
- Council on Academic Accreditation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)
- Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Council on Academic Accreditation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)
- Computing Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Austin Peay State University
Located in Tennessee’s fifth-largest city, Austin Peay State University has set the standard of excellence in Tennessee and across the southeast. The degree concentrations vary, ranging from aviation science to nuclear medicine and everything in between. Students won’t have a hard time choosing the degree that will best fit them.
Currently, the university offers 49 bachelor’s degree programs and 19 master’s degree programs. The class size average is 24. But while the on-campus offerings are numerous and excellent, there are also online courses and programs for students who need to obtain distance learning.
The online programs address mounting challenges to college education, such as family obligations, work commitments, and rising gas prices. Through Austin Peay State University’s online programs, students can take part in a learning experience that works with their schedules. There are over 30 online degree programs offered currently. The online classes have an excellent student to faculty ratio at 18-1.
The undergraduate and graduate degrees offered are personalized and flexible. No matter where they are, students can complete the courses and programs at their own pace. The online courses have an interactive approach to education. Combined with a user-friendly online program, the university’s online offerings are some of the best in the state of Tennessee. The online format is also very easy to learn, navigate, and manage. While there is a lot of flexibility, most of the online courses begin and end on specific dates and class works have assigned deadlines.
From Bachelor of Science in Sociology to Bachelor of Business Administration and many more, students can find the right career path to attain their dreams without a need to attend classes on campus.
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of all college prep courses, including U.S. History
- High school GPA of 2.85 or higher, ACT accumulative score of 20 or higher, GED score of 580 0r higher
- ACT/SAT scores in Mathematics, Reading, and English
- No remedial placement from ACT/SAT
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The University of Tennessee Martin
Preparing students for the tight global job market, the University of Tennessee Martin provides top-quality educational programs in West Tennessee and beyond. It also runs the University of Tennessee’s online programs for both undergraduate and graduate education.
At UT Martin Online, students get access to quality online education that will help them pursue their educational goals while managing their busy schedules. The online courses provide students with the same quality education as their on-campus counterparts. At present, the online program boasts six undergraduate degrees and nine graduate degrees that can be completed entirely online. Most of these courses follow the same academic calendar as other university courses. They also include the same course goals and taught by the same instructors.
The online course can be accessed using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). It is a web-based virtual learning environment that allows instructors to customize their courses and disseminate course materials. This platform also allows students to submit their assignments, interact with their instructors and online classmates, access multimedia materials and other resources, and so much more.
Notable courses include Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, among many others.
Location: Martin, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application for admission form and non-refundable application fee of $25
- Official high school transcripts with a minimum of 3 years high school work included
- Standardized exam results (ACT or SAT)
Accreditations:
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- American Chemical Society
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/Computing Accreditation Commission ABET/CAC
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- American Psychological Association
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Professionals
- American Psychological Association
- Council on Social Work Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- National Architectural Accreditation Board
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Union University
Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Union University is a private, Christian, co-educational liberal-arts based higher education institution. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university promotes excellence and character development in service to both church and society.
Currently, there are more than 100 programs of study. Some of these programs can be taken entirely online. The university’s online programs allow students to advance their education and career from their home or other convenient location.
Ideal for people who wish to pursue higher education or advance their careers, online programs offer an excellent learning experience. Students have the opportunity to interact with their instructors and classmates. They are also taught by faculty that excel in teaching, mentoring, and research. Students can participate in discussions and complete their assignments at a time that is most convenient for them.
The fully online degrees include Associate in Science in Professional Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Master of Business Administration, and many others.
Location: Jackson, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate of accredited high school with at least 20 units in core subjects
- Minimum 18 ACT, 960 SAT or 61 CLT
- 2.0 Core GPA
- Admission Application with a non-refundable fee
- Official ACT/SAT report
- Official High School Transcript
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology, Engineering Accreditation Commission
- American Chemical Society
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Certification in Education for Public Relations, Public Relations Society of America
- Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
The State of Tennessee prides itself on having a policy dedicated to uplifting the quality of online education among its colleges and universities. This commitment to improving the online learning experience offered by Tennessee’s educational institutions stands to benefit not only Tennessee residents but also students from all over the country, as virtually all online programs are available to aspiring students across all states, and sometimes even to those outside the country.
The flexibility of the pacing and start dates of online degrees also opens up opportunities to people with complicated schedules, disabilities, and limitations, or work and family commitments who nevertheless want to pursue an education. For those who prefer an educational experience that still involves working with peers and other face-to-face interaction to an extent, hybrid or blended types of programs that have occasional on-campus sessions can be an option. The online courses are delivered by the same on-campus teachers.
Beyond the convenience and reliability of the online degree programs in the state, students can enjoy affordability. On top of all that, the tuition rates for online colleges and universities are usually much lower than those of traditional ones.
METHODOLOGY
Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Tennessee presents the best online education providers in the state that do not compromise academic excellence. Essentially, these cheap online colleges do not only demonstrate affordability but also deliver the best degree programs. These distance learning options also provide qualified students with financial aid opportunities.
Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University, also colloquially referred to as Tennessee Tech, is an excellent choice for students looking to specialize in engineering and technology-related degrees both online and on campus. However, Tennessee Tech has not limited itself to these two fields; the University offers an extensive list of more than 40 bachelor’s degrees under its Colleges of Agriculture and Human Ecology, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies and School of Nursing. Tennessee Tech also has graduate programs and doctoral programs for those interested in pursuing further education.
Tennessee Tech also provides quality online education via TN eCampus, an online catalog, and a database of all online programs and courses available in Tennessee. A Bachelor of Professional Studies program with a variety of concentrations (e.g., Health Administration, Information Technology) and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary program can be taken online, in addition to master’s degree programs. Its online Master of Business Administration program has been recognized as one of the best and most affordable options in both the state and the country.
In-state tuition for undergraduate online courses is $319 per credit hour plus an online course fee of $128, while out-of-state tuition is $661. However, out-of-state students who take only online courses in one semester can avail of a discounted $160 rate, subject to the University’s assessment. On average, one year at Tennessee Tech costs around $6,160, one of, if not the, lowest figures in the state.
Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- 2.50 high school GPA and completion of US History and Algebra II or equivalent with a passing grade in high school
- An ACCUPLACER exam score of at least 28
- 162 on GED/13+ on the HiSET
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
King University
King University, which is situated in Bristol, Tennessee, is a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian academic community dedicated to the integration of rigorous educational programming and the exploration of faith. Establishing students in a robust liberal arts foundation, the university offers specialization in a range of contemporary undergraduate degrees including nursing, security and intelligence studies, digital media and design, and other traditional majors.
While the university has traditionally offered classes on campus, recent years have seen the inclusion of online degree programs and courses. The flexible courses are available year-round. With online programs, students have the opportunity to earn the credentials they need to advance their careers, all without sacrificing their other commitments. King’s online programs guarantee academic excellence through courses delivered in a flexible and convenient format.
The university tries to make online programs as affordable as possible. The cost per semester hour is around $305. Each year, they also award more than $19 million in financial aid to the majority of students.
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Official high school transcript/Official results from GED
- Scores from SAT/ACT
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation
Middle Tennessee State University
Making its home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University has 140 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The university offers the lowest cost of attendance among Tennessee’s three major comprehensive universities. It also provides guaranteed academic scholarships to eligible students.
Apart from its on-campus offerings, the Middle Tennessee State University also offers online and hybrid programs. MTSU online is recognized nationally, acknowledged as an Adult Learning Focused Institution of Higher Education. The online programs make it easier for students to pursue their higher education while taking care of their responsibilities. Just like the on-campus courses, online offerings are also taught by the same experienced faculty.
Fully online courses include Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology, among many others.
The average tuition for students per year is around $6,840, 3% cheaper than the national average public four-year tuition. With online programs, it also means that students can significantly save from additional costs that traditional colleges entail, including housing and transportation.
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA/Minimum composite ACT score of 22
- Completed application for admission and $25 nonrefundable application fee
- Official ACT or SAT scores
- Official transcripts
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lee University
Lee University had its humble beginnings in 1918 as the Church of God Bible Training School. Its consistent growth and expansion in the years that followed led to its renaming as Lee College and, later on, Lee University. It presents a wide variety of majors and concentrations under its six schools and colleges, from business to nursing and even music.
Lee University has also established a Division of Adult Learning explicitly created for working professionals that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. One credit hour starts at $378, and the annual tuition is roughly $13,680. Some exclusive discounts are also available, such as an undergraduate ministry discount for students taking ministerial degrees like Christian Studies or Ministry Leadership that can cut down rates to $252 per credit hour, and a military and first responders discount rate of $250 per credit hour.
Students can choose from bachelor’s degree programs like Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Studies, in addition to Lee’s Christian-based options like Bible & Theology. Four graduate programs, including a Master’s in Business Administration, are also available.
Location: Cleveland, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from an approved high school or satisfactorily completed the GED test,
- Official high school transcript (or GED)
- Official copies of ACT or SAT scores
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- National Association of Schools of Music, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Johnson University
Another best value Christian university that offers online degrees is Johnson University, which started way back in 1893 as the School of Evangelists for aspiring ministers and underserved Christians. It is now considered one of the oldest Bible colleges in operation in the United States and has gone beyond merely providing Christian-centered education.
Over 70 diverse programs starting from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees are available at Johnson. They are offered in its eight schools, namely the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Bible & Theology, the School of Business & Public Leadership, the School of Communication & Creative Arts, the School of Congregational Ministry, the Templar School of Education, the School of Intercultural Studies, and the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Six undergraduate degrees are available entirely online at Johnson University: Applied Linguistics, Ministry Leadership, Business Administration, Nonprofit Administration, Intercultural Studies, and Pastoral Care and Counseling. Many other options are offered under Johnson’s certificate programs, associate degrees, master’s degrees, and Ph.D. degrees.
The University places its annual tuition for online bachelor’s programs to be at $15,660 for a student taking 12 to 15.5 credit hours every semester. Its commitment to affordable education and easy access to financial aid and support has also translated into low levels of education-related debt among its graduates.
Location: Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee
Admission Requirements:
- Signed Commitment to the Johnson Lifestyle with Personal Statement of Faith,
- References
- Official transcripts from previously attended academic institutions
- GED scores
- ACT/SAT/CLT scores (no minimum score indicated)
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
