# Best Business Colleges in Tennessee

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 47 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-tennessee

## Methodology

Business programs in Tennessee ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a business college can be a pivotal decision for students and families. In Tennessee, there are 45 institutions that offer business programs worth considering. Each of these schools shares a commitment to preparing students for careers in a competitive job market, with varying outcomes and financial implications to weigh.

What sets the top business colleges apart are their graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and overall mobility. The list below highlights institutions that excel in these areas, helping prospective students identify which programs might deliver the best outcomes for their investment. As you examine the data, keep in mind that higher earnings and graduation rates often correlate with the value of a degree in business.

For instance, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville stands out with an impressive average earning of $60,249 and a graduation rate of 74%. In contrast, Trevecca Nazarene University offers lower earnings at $49,378 and has a graduation rate of just 54%. These differences illustrate the tradeoffs students may face when selecting a college, highlighting the importance of aligning choices with personal and financial goals.

## Key Findings

- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn an average of $60,249.
- Christian Brothers University has a graduation rate of 55% and a net price of $9,854.
- Trevecca Nazarene University students face an average debt of $18,744.
- Middle Tennessee State University averages $48,541 in earnings with a 54% graduation rate.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Christian Brothers University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/christian-brothers-university) | Memphis, TN | 55% | $57,478 | $9,854 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 2 | [Trevecca Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trevecca-nazarene-university) | Nashville, TN | 54% | $49,378 | $16,813 | $18,744 | 0.38x |
| 3 | [Bethel University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethel-university-tn) | McKenzie, TN | 35% | $47,482 | $12,595 | $27,249 | 0.57x |
| 4 | [Middle Tennessee State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middle-tennessee-state-university) | Murfreesboro, TN | 54% | $48,541 | $13,359 | $20,000 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Cumberland University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cumberland-university) | Lebanon, TN | 46% | $57,687 | $18,759 | $17,952 | 0.31x |
| 6 | [Tennessee Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tennessee-wesleyan-university) | Athens, TN | 46% | $45,989 | $14,836 | $20,000 | 0.43x |
| 7 | [Johnson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/johnson-university) | Knoxville, TN | 59% | $40,596 | $22,063 | $21,500 | 0.53x |
| 8 | [Maryville College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maryville-college) | Maryville, TN | 49% | $49,279 | $19,360 | $25,375 | 0.51x |
| 9 | [Tusculum University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tusculum-university) | Greeneville, TN | 28% | $44,367 | $21,131 | $23,250 | 0.52x |
| 10 | [Lipscomb University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lipscomb-university) | Nashville, TN | 70% | $55,541 | $24,739 | $19,500 | 0.35x |
| 11 | [Tennessee Technological University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tennessee-technological-university) | Cookeville, TN | 56% | $48,501 | $14,246 | $15,650 | 0.32x |
| 12 | [King University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/king-university) | Bristol, TN | 47% | $59,831 | $22,347 | $22,750 | 0.38x |
| 13 | [Milligan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/milligan-university) | Milligan, TN | 62% | $46,641 | $21,365 | $25,219 | 0.54x |
| 14 | [The University of Tennessee-Knoxville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville) | Knoxville, TN | 74% | $60,249 | $18,976 | $20,500 | 0.34x |
| 15 | [University of Memphis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-memphis) | Memphis, TN | 50% | $48,458 | $12,397 | $23,300 | 0.48x |
| 16 | [Union University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/union-university) | Jackson, TN | 68% | $53,990 | $27,171 | $20,714 | 0.38x |
| 17 | [Rhodes College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rhodes-college) | Memphis, TN | 83% | $66,651 | $28,585 | $21,761 | 0.33x |
| 18 | [East Tennessee State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-tennessee-state-university) | Johnson City, TN | 52% | $44,859 | $15,983 | $19,442 | 0.43x |
| 19 | [Austin Peay State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/austin-peay-state-university) | Clarksville, TN | 42% | $44,301 | $9,735 | $20,547 | 0.46x |
| 20 | [The University of the South](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-the-south) | Sewanee, TN | 81% | $64,911 | $27,872 | $22,855 | 0.35x |
| 21 | [Southern Adventist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-adventist-university) | Collegedale, TN | 50% | $53,723 | $24,345 | $24,500 | 0.46x |
| 22 | [Lee University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lee-university) | Cleveland, TN | 62% | $43,222 | $18,878 | $25,750 | 0.6x |
| 23 | [Belmont University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/belmont-university) | Nashville, TN | 71% | $55,930 | $33,147 | $20,500 | 0.37x |
| 24 | [Lincoln Memorial University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lincoln-memorial-university) | Harrogate, TN | 52% | $49,956 | $20,406 | $20,000 | 0.4x |
| 25 | [The University of Tennessee Southern](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tennessee-southern) | Pulaski, TN | 36% | $38,924 | $12,798 | $21,500 | 0.55x |
| 26 | [Cleveland State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cleveland-state-community-college) | Cleveland, TN | 33% | $36,671 | $6,384 | $7,954 | 0.22x |
| 27 | [Volunteer State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/volunteer-state-community-college) | Gallatin, TN | 26% | $41,150 | $7,802 | $7,550 | 0.18x |
| 28 | [Pellissippi State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pellissippi-state-community-college) | Knoxville, TN | 30% | $38,440 | $4,983 | $8,725 | 0.23x |
| 29 | [Northeast State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeast-state-community-college) | Blountville, TN | 33% | $34,553 | $6,864 | $6,827 | 0.2x |
| 30 | [Tennessee State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tennessee-state-university) | Nashville, TN | 33% | $42,730 | $15,796 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 31 | [The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tennessee-chattanooga) | Chattanooga, TN | 52% | $51,151 | $14,265 | $19,500 | 0.38x |
| 32 | [Columbia State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-state-community-college) | Columbia, TN | 30% | $40,256 | $4,734 | $8,500 | 0.21x |
| 33 | [Chattanooga State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chattanooga-state-community-college) | Chattanooga, TN | 24% | $37,598 | $5,283 | $10,419 | 0.28x |
| 34 | [Roane State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roane-state-community-college) | Harriman, TN | 34% | $39,407 | $4,270 | $8,454 | 0.21x |
| 35 | [Freed-Hardeman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/freed-hardeman-university) | Henderson, TN | 70% | $47,485 | $21,574 | $21,500 | 0.45x |
| 36 | [Nashville State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nashville-state-community-college) | Nashville, TN | 18% | $38,519 | $6,777 | $9,595 | 0.25x |
| 37 | [Carson-Newman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carson-newman-university) | Jefferson City, TN | 50% | $48,382 | $20,251 | $21,500 | 0.44x |
| 38 | [The University of Tennessee-Martin](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tennessee-martin) | Martin, TN | 54% | $44,213 | $10,701 | $21,024 | 0.48x |
| 39 | [Bryan College-Dayton](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryan-college-dayton) | Dayton, TN | 53% | $54,434 | $20,614 | $23,000 | 0.42x |
| 40 | [Le Moyne-Owen College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/le-moyne-owen-college) | Memphis, TN | 26% | $35,594 | $7,099 | $28,070 | 0.79x |
| 41 | [Lane College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lane-college) | Jackson, TN | 18% | $31,670 | $10,904 | $30,500 | 0.96x |
| 42 | [Walters State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/walters-state-community-college) | Morristown, TN | 35% | $37,085 | $5,387 | N/A | N/A |
| 43 | [Fisk University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fisk-university) | Nashville, TN | 35% | $45,454 | $32,020 | $27,000 | 0.59x |
| 44 | [Motlow State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/motlow-state-community-college) | Tullahoma, TN | 31% | $40,397 | $15,742 | N/A | N/A |
| 45 | [Jackson State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jackson-state-community-college) | Jackson, TN | 23% | $35,224 | $6,236 | N/A | N/A |
| 46 | [Southwest Tennessee Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwest-tennessee-community-college) | Memphis, TN | 19% | $34,071 | $4,754 | N/A | N/A |
| 47 | [Welch College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/welch-college) | Gallatin, TN | 57% | $42,198 | $25,263 | $19,500 | 0.46x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Business Colleges in Tennessee." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-tennessee

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.