Best Universities in Tennessee

By | October 27, 2024

1. Vanderbilt University

Overview of Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Vanderbilt is renowned for its medical, law, and business programs, along with strong liberal arts and engineering programs. The university is known for its commitment to research and consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #18 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 13,800
  • Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Average SAT Score: 1480-1570

Extracurricular Activities

  • Vanderbilt Commodores Athletics (NCAA Division I, SEC)
  • Vanderbilt Student Government
  • Vanderbilt Hustler (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life
  • Vanderbilt Performing Arts Community

Famous Alumni

  1. Al Gore – Former U.S. Vice President
  2. James Patterson – Bestselling author
  3. Amy Grant – Grammy Award-winning musician
  4. Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
  5. Jay Cutler – NFL quarterback

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  2. Amazon
  3. Goldman Sachs
  4. Deloitte
  5. Microsoft

2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)

Overview of University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. Known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture, UTK is a major public research university. The university is also home to the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, emphasizing leadership and civic engagement.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #115 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 31,700
  • Degrees Offered: Over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Average SAT Score: 1150-1330

Extracurricular Activities

  • Tennessee Volunteers Athletics (NCAA Division I, SEC)
  • Student Government Association
  • The Daily Beacon (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life
  • Pride of the Southland Band

Famous Alumni

  1. Peyton Manning – NFL quarterback
  2. Kurt Vonnegut – Author
  3. Dolly Parton – Country music legend (honorary degree)
  4. C. J. Watson – NBA player
  5. Sherri Parker Lee – Philanthropist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  2. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  3. Deloitte
  4. Pilot Flying J
  5. Nissan North America

3. Rhodes College

Overview of Rhodes College

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics, commitment to service, and beautiful Gothic campus. Rhodes excels in programs like biology, international studies, and political science. The college emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to engage in research, internships, and community service.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #55 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Average SAT Score: 1250-1430

Extracurricular Activities

  • Rhodes Lynx Athletics (NCAA Division III)
  • Rhodes Student Government
  • Kinney Program (community service)
  • Greek Life
  • Rhodes College Orchestra

Famous Alumni

  1. Aubrey McClendon – Co-founder of Chesapeake Energy
  2. John L. Seigenthaler – Journalist and political figure
  3. David Gordon Green – Film director
  4. Frank Deford – Sportswriter
  5. Mary Steenburgen – Academy Award-winning actress

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  2. FedEx
  3. International Paper
  4. Deloitte
  5. AutoZone

4. Belmont University

Overview of Belmont University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1890, Belmont University is a private Christian university best known for its music, business, and health sciences programs. Belmont has gained national recognition for its music business program, attracting students who aspire to work in the music industry. The university also emphasizes leadership and ethical decision-making in all areas of study.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #182 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 8,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Average SAT Score: 1130-1310

Extracurricular Activities

  • Belmont Bruins Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Belmont Vision (student newspaper)
  • Belmont Service Corps (volunteering)
  • Greek Life
  • Belmont University Songwriting Club

Famous Alumni

  1. Brad Paisley – Country music star
  2. Trisha Yearwood – Country music star
  3. Lee Ann Womack – Grammy Award-winning singer
  4. Chris Young – Country music star
  5. Josh Turner – Country music star

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Sony Music Entertainment
  2. Universal Music Group
  3. HCA Healthcare
  4. Warner Music Group
  5. Belmont University

5. Sewanee: The University of the South

Overview of Sewanee: The University of the South

Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
Founded in 1857, Sewanee: The University of the South is a private liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs, particularly in English, history, and environmental studies. Sewanee offers students a close-knit community and is known for its picturesque mountain campus and commitment to tradition. The university emphasizes undergraduate research and leadership development.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #51 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,700
  • Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Average SAT Score: 1180-1370

Extracurricular Activities

  • Sewanee Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division III)
  • Sewanee Outing Program (outdoor activities)
  • Sewanee Purple (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life
  • University Choir

Famous Alumni

  1. William Alexander Percy – Poet and lawyer
  2. Johnny Isakson – Former U.S. Senator
  3. Anson Mount – Actor
  4. Tennessee Williams – Playwright (attended briefly)
  5. James Agee – Pulitzer Prize-winning author

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School
  2. Vanderbilt University
  3. Tennessee Department of Education
  4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  5. Deloitte

6. Lipscomb University

Overview of Lipscomb University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1891, Lipscomb University is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in business, health sciences, and education. The university emphasizes service and ethical leadership, with a commitment to integrating faith into all aspects of learning. Lipscomb also offers a variety of study abroad programs and internship opportunities.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #208 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 4,600
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Average SAT Score: 1060-1290

Extracurricular Activities

  • Lipscomb Bisons Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Lipscomb Academy Players (theater group)
  • Greek Life
  • Lipscomb Service and Learning Programs

Famous Alumni

  1. Pat Boone – Singer and actor
  2. Kerry Collins – NFL quarterback
  3. Beth Harwell – Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives
  4. Ray Stevens – Grammy Award-winning musician
  5. Bob Clement – Former U.S. Congressman

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. HCA Healthcare
  2. Lipscomb University
  3. Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  4. Deloitte
  5. Bridgestone Americas

7. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Overview of Middle Tennessee State University

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large public university known for its programs in aerospace, recording industry, and business. MTSU’s Department of Aerospace is one of the best in the country, offering a range of aviation-related degrees. The university’s recording industry program is also highly regarded and has produced numerous successful music industry professionals.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 240 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Average SAT Score: 1020-1230

Extracurricular Activities

  • MTSU Blue Raiders Athletics (NCAA Division I, C-USA)
  • Sidelines (student newspaper)
  • Aerospace and Flight Clubs
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Chris Young – Country music star
  2. James Buchanan – Nobel Prize-winning economist
  3. Mike Doughty – Musician
  4. Brent Peterson – NHL player
  5. Hillary Scott – Singer, Lady A

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Southwest Airlines
  2. Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  3. Sony Music Nashville
  4. Amazon
  5. Middle Tennessee State University

8. Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech)

Overview of Tennessee Technological University

Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
Founded in 1915, Tennessee Tech is a public university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business. The university’s College of Engineering is highly regarded, and it offers extensive research opportunities in fields like robotics, energy, and cybersecurity. Tennessee Tech’s commitment to innovation and hands-on learning prepares students for success in high-tech industries.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #277 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 10,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Average SAT Score: 1070-1270

Extracurricular Activities

  • Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Athletics (NCAA Division I, OVC)
  • Student Government Association
  • Engineering Student Organizations
  • Outdoor Adventure Clubs
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. John Rose – U.S. Congressman
  2. Jim Haslam – Founder of Pilot Flying J
  3. Corey Teague – NFL player
  4. Dottie West – Country music star
  5. Damion Hunter – U.S. Army Major General

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Nissan North America
  2. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  3. Bridgestone Americas
  4. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  5. Cummins Inc.

9. University of Memphis

Overview of University of Memphis

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a public research university known for its programs in law, business, and engineering. The university’s Fogelman College of Business and Economics and Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law are highly respected. The university is also recognized for its research contributions, particularly in urban planning and public health.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #285 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 21,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Average SAT Score: 1000-1210

Extracurricular Activities

  • Memphis Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division I, AAC)
  • Student Government Association
  • The Daily Helmsman (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life
  • UofM Campus Recreation and Fitness

Famous Alumni

  1. John Grisham – Bestselling author
  2. Fred Thompson – Actor and U.S. Senator
  3. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway – NBA player and coach
  4. Justin Fuente – College football coach
  5. Linda Thompson – Songwriter and actress

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. FedEx
  2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  3. AutoZone
  4. International Paper
  5. Shelby County Schools

10. East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

Overview of East Tennessee State University

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public university known for its health sciences programs, particularly its Quillen College of Medicine and Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. ETSU also has strong programs in education, business, and nursing, serving as a hub for healthcare and research in the Appalachian region.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #298-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Average SAT Score: 970-1190

Extracurricular Activities

  • ETSU Buccaneers Athletics (NCAA Division I, SoCon)
  • Student Government Association
  • Appalachian Studies Club
  • Outdoor Adventure Club
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Kenny Chesney – Country music star
  2. Ron Ramsey – Former Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee
  3. Tommy Woods – Professional baseball player
  4. Ryan Watson – College football coach
  5. Atlee Hammaker – MLB All-Star pitcher

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Ballad Health
  2. Eastman Chemical Company
  3. East Tennessee State University
  4. Johnson City Schools
  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs