Tennessee Colleges
From Memphis to Kingsport, the Southern state of Tennessee is home to more than 200 colleges, universities and other post secondary education institutions. Knoxville, Nashville and Chattanooga all add to the state’s character and history, with many educational options to choose from in each. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Vanderbilt University, Nashville receive the top rankings of any colleges in Tennessee and are on US News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges. Middle Tennessee State University is another top public school while other prestigious private colleges in Tennessee include Sewanee: The University of the South and Rhodes College. Austin Peay State University and the University of Memphis are also popular public Tennessee colleges. More than a dozen community colleges including some that are focused on technical degrees are located throughout the state offering options to students looking to complete their education in two years.
Top College Cities in Tennessee
- Memphis Colleges (32)
- Nashville Colleges (29)
- Knoxville Colleges (12)
- Chattanooga Colleges (10)
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Tennessee College and Degree Offerings
Tennessee colleges offer degree-seekers a multitude of programs at 2-year and 4-year institutions. Students looking for an engineering, science or technology degree for example, can earn one at any level with options such as private school Tennessee Tech University or Chattanooga State Technical Community College, one of the many community colleges in Tennessee. Other 2-year schools offer career-focused educations and certificate program or 2-year career training degree choices. More than a dozen liberal art schools including Carson-Newman University, Newman College and Lincoln Memorial University give students a well-rounded education. Bachelors degree and masters degree students can also choose from a long list of public and private universities and colleges in Tennessee.
- Bachelors Degree (4-Year Colleges)
- Associates Degree (2-Year Career Training)
- Associates Degree (2-Year Transfer Degree)
- Certificate Programs and Diplomas
- Masters Degree (Graduate Schools)
Top 10 4-Year Colleges and Universities in Tennessee
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of Memphis
- Lambuth University
- East Tennessee State University
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville
- Tennessee Tech University
- The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
- Austin Peay State University
- Tennessee State University
Top 10 Career Training, Vocation Schools and Trade Schools in Tennessee
- Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis
- Pellissippi State Technical Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Chattanooga State Technical Community College
- Austin Peay State University
- Volunteer State Community College
- Tennessee State University
- Roane State Community College
- Walters State Community College, Morristown
- Northeast State Technical Community College
Top 10 Community College and Junior Colleges in Tennessee
- Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis
- Pellissippi State Technical Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Chattanooga State Technical Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Roane State Community College
- Walters State Community College, Morristown
- Northeast State Technical Community College
- Columbia State Community College, Columbia
- Jackson State Community College
Top 10 Certificate Programs in Tennessee
- Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis
- Nashville State Community College
- Chattanooga State Technical Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Roane State Community College
- Walters State Community College, Morristown
- Northeast State Technical Community College
- Columbia State Community College, Columbia
- Jackson State Community College
- Union University
Top 10 Graduate Schools in Tennessee
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of Memphis
- East Tennessee State University
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville
- Tennessee Tech University
- The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
- Austin Peay State University
- Tennessee State University
- The University of Tennessee, Martin
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Tennessee Career Opportunities
Tennessee’s claim to fame is the birthplace of country music and home to many top names in music. While the history was made years ago, careers in Management of musical talent, artists and performers are still one of the top jobs in the state. A Business Administration and Management degree from a top business program at one of the many Tennessee colleges such as The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga is a smart choice for entrepreneurs. Graceland, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail all are top tourist attractions that help boost the state’s economy. Students who stick around after attending one of the colleges in Tennessee will have other hot jobs to choose from as well. Health care careers including Pharmacy Technician/Assistant and Health/Medical Assisting Services are on the list of top ten careers for the state. In addition, Psychology and Mental & Social Health Services professionals are among the top jobs in demand and the top jobs expected to grow significantly over the next decade.