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Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Tennessee

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Tennessee

30 Schools Ranked
$19,506 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$26,882 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for nursing students. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 30 schools in Tennessee to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
563 Total Awards
$9,438 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,047 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named East Tennessee State University the most popular school in Tennessee for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, the fairly large public school handed out 563 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $9,438 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ETSU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,740. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,047 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

ETSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on East Tennessee State University

#2

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
304 Total Awards
$10,056 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,159 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Memphis. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. UofM is located in Memphis, Tennessee and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 304 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $10,056 in tuition and fees if they attend UofM full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,088. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,159 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

UofM does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Memphis

#3

South College

Knoxville, Tennessee
254 Total Awards
$17,335 Average Tuition & Fees
$42,762 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend South College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. South College is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Knoxville, Tennessee. It awarded 254 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at South College is $17,335. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $42,762 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since South College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on South College

242 Total Awards
$13,244 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 242 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $13,244 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UT Knoxville. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $31,664. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,232 in student loans. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

UT Knoxville does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#5

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee
186 Total Awards
$38,430 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,196 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Belmont University is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 186 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Belmont does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $38,430. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,196 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Online courses are available at Belmont, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 68% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Belmont University

#6

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee
169 Total Awards
$24,210 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,788 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln Memorial University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Harrogate, Tennessee, and it awarded 169 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

LMU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $24,210. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,788 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Online courses are available at LMU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 6% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#7

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
161 Total Awards
$16,520 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,879 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Union University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and it awarded 161 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Union does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $16,520. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $32,879 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Union. In 2019-2020 about 34% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Union University

#8

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
156 Total Awards
$8,431 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,484 Avg Student Debt

Austin Peay State University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and it awarded 156 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Austin Peay State University is $8,431. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,975. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,484 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Austin Peay State University. In fact, around 78% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Austin Peay State University Report

#9

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
140 Total Awards
$9,802 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,943 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee Technological University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Cookeville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 140 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Tennessee who attend Tennessee Tech University full time pay an average of $9,802 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,834. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,943 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Tennessee Tech University does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 79% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Tennessee Technological University

#10

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee
120 Total Awards
$9,848 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,246 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the fairly large public school awarded 120 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Tennessee who attend UT Chattanooga full time pay an average of $9,848 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $25,966. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,246 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

UT Chattanooga does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

#11

King University

Bristol, Tennessee
118 Total Awards
$32,838 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,347 Avg Student Debt

King University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. King is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Bristol, Tennessee. It awarded 118 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

King does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $32,838. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,347 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at King. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, Tennessee
97 Total Awards
$26,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,365 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Tennessee Wesleyan University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Athens, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 97 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend TWU, expect to pay an average of $26,590 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,365 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

TWU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 5% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#13

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
89 Total Awards
$23,210 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #13, Southern Adventist University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Collegedale, Tennessee, and it awarded 89 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Southern Adventist, expect to pay an average of $23,210 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Southern Adventist. During the 2019-2020 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Southern Adventist University Report

#14

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
78 Total Awards
$20,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,373 Avg Student Debt

Lee University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 78 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Lee University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $20,500. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Lee University accumulate an average of $26,373 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Lee University does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 17% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#15

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
76 Total Awards
$9,232 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,342 Avg Student Debt

Middle Tennessee State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 76 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $9,232 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Middle Tennessee State University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $28,264. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,342 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Middle Tennessee State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Middle Tennessee State University

64 Total Awards
$12,572 Average Tuition & Fees
$43,930 Avg Student Debt

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Memphis, Tennessee that handed out 64 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Baptist College of Health Sciences is $12,572. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $43,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Baptist College of Health Sciences does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences

#17

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
54 Total Awards
$22,617 Avg Student Debt

Freed-Hardeman University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Henderson, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 54 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,617 in student loans. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at FHU. In 2019-2020 about 16% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Freed-Hardeman University Report

53 Total Awards
$10,634 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,526 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Memphis, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 53 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Tennessee who attend UTHSC full time pay an average of $10,634 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $22,747. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,526 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UTHSC. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
50 Total Awards
$31,320 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Carson - Newman University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Carson - Newman is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Jefferson City, Tennessee. It awarded 50 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Carson - Newman does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $31,320. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Carson - Newman. In fact, around 41% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

42 Total Awards
$9,912 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,559 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Martin did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. The University of Tennessee - Martin is a medium-sized public school located in Martin, Tennessee that handed out 42 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $9,912 in tuition and fees if they attend UT Martin full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,952. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,559 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UT Martin does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#21

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
40 Total Awards
$35,752 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,667 Avg Student Debt

Lipscomb University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 40 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Lipscomb is $35,752. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,667 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Lipscomb. In 2019-2020 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Lipscomb University

#22

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
39 Total Awards
$25,412 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,030 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Cumberland University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Lebanon, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 39 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at CU is $25,412. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,030 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CU. In 2019-2020 about 0% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#23

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee
21 Total Awards
$26,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,705 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Tusculum University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Tusculum University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Greeneville, Tennessee that handed out 21 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Tusculum does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $26,510. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,705 in student loans. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Tusculum does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 80% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Tusculum University Report

#24

Milligan University

Milligan College, Tennessee
20 Total Awards
$36,140 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,548 Avg Student Debt

Milligan University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Tennessee ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Milligan College, Tennessee, and it awarded 20 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Milligan, expect to pay an average of $36,140 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,548 in student loans. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Milligan does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 43% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#25

Martin Methodist College

Pulaski, Tennessee
15 Total Awards
$10,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,702 Avg Student Debt

Martin Methodist College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 15 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Martin Methodist, expect to pay an average of $10,200 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,702 in student loans. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Martin Methodist. In 2019-2020 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Martin Methodist College

View Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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