Rankings / By State
Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee
- 42
- Schools
- $46,743
- Avg. Earnings
- 46%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,533
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,800
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 42 schools run from $34,071 to $72,529, a 2.1× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Roane State Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $39,407 in median earnings against $4,270 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Roane State Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $4,270 a year in net price.
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Rhodes College graduates 83% of its students, versus a 46% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Volunteer State Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.18× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Christian Brothers University ($57,478 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Baptist Health Sciences University ($72,529), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Roane State Community College costs $4,270 a year and Belmont University costs $33,147. Yet their graduates earn $39,407 and $55,930, nowhere near the $28,877 price gap.
- On value, Roane State Community College beats Baptist Health Sciences University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Roane State Community College and Rhodes College. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Healthcare is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $47K within a decade, and registered nurse roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Christian Brothers University #1 overall | $57,478 ▲ +23% vs avg | $9,854 | 55% | 80 |
| 2 Southern Adventist University #2 overall | $53,723 ▲ +15% vs avg | $24,345 | 50% | 79 |
| 3 Tennessee Wesleyan University #3 overall | $45,989 ▼ -2% vs avg | $14,836 | 46% | 79 |
| $44,859 ▼ -4% vs avg | $15,983 | 52% | 77 | |
| $36,132 ▼ -23% vs avg | $4,612 | 31% | 77 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee
This analysis ranks 42 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,743 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 46% and an average net price of $14,533.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Roane State Community College — Net Price: $4,270 | Graduation Rate: 34%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Rhodes College — 83% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Baptist Health Sciences University — Median alumni earnings: $72,529
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$46,315
Median earnings (10yr)
48%
Median graduation rate
$14,256
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
The healthcare workforce pipeline starts in classrooms and clinical rotations like the ones behind this list. An aging population, persistent nursing shortages, and rising demand for clinical services have made these programs essential infrastructure. The strongest ones stand out on clinical partnerships and licensure outcomes, the two factors that translate most directly into hiring.
The median graduation rate across these 42 schools is 48%. Median graduate earnings reach $46,315 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $14,256 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,500. Some 32% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.3%.
What we’re seeing: demographic pressure keeps demand high, and programs with embedded clinical networks convert that demand into employment fastest. Christian Brothers University leads the list, and graduates across these programs earn a median of $46,315 ten years after enrollment. The constraint is not jobs. It is clinical capacity and licensure throughput, and that is where the strongest programs pull away.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Christian Brothers University lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,478 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,854 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Southern Adventist University lands at #2 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $53,723 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,345 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Tennessee Wesleyan University lands at #3 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $45,989 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,836 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
East Tennessee State University lands at #4 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $44,859 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,983 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Dyersburg State Community College lands at #5 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $36,132 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,612 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Columbia State Community College lands at #6 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $40,256 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,734 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Union University lands at #7 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $53,990 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,171 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Volunteer State Community College lands at #8 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $41,150 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,802 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Lincoln Memorial University lands at #9 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,956 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,406 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Chattanooga State Community College lands at #10 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $37,598 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,283 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Roane State Community College lands at #11 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $39,407 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,270 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Baptist Health Sciences University lands at #12 with a 73/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $72,529 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,212 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Trevecca Nazarene University lands at #13 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $49,378 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,813 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Austin Peay State University lands at #14 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,301 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,735 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rhodes College lands at #15 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $66,651 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,585 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
King University lands at #16 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $59,831 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,347 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Lipscomb University lands at #17 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,541 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,739 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Memphis lands at #18 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $48,458 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,397 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Tennessee Technological University lands at #19 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $48,501 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,246 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Maryville College lands at #20 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $49,279 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,360 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Middle Tennessee State University lands at #21 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $48,541 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,359 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Belmont University lands at #22 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $55,930 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,147 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Lee University lands at #23 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $43,222 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Cleveland State Community College lands at #24 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $36,671 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,384 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Cumberland University lands at #25 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $57,687 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,759 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Tennessee State University lands at #26 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,730 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,796 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Bethel University lands at #27 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,482 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,595 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Johnson University lands at #28 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $40,596 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Northeast State Community College lands at #29 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $34,553 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Milligan University lands at #30 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $46,641 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,365 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Nashville State Community College lands at #31 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $38,519 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,777 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Pellissippi State Community College lands at #32 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $38,440 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,983 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Walters State Community College lands at #33 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $37,085 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,387 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Knoxville, TN · 42% accepted · $18,976 net
Why it ranks #34
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville lands at #34 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,976 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Jackson State Community College lands at #35 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (28/100). Graduates earn a median $35,224 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,236 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Freed-Hardeman University lands at #36 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,485 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,574 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Chattanooga, TN · 81% accepted · $14,265 net
Why it ranks #37
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga lands at #37 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $51,151 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,265 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Motlow State Community College lands at #38 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,397 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,742 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
The University of Tennessee-Martin lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $44,213 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,701 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
The University of Tennessee Southern lands at #40 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $38,924 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,798 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Carson-Newman University lands at #41 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (63/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,382 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,251 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Southwest Tennessee Community College lands at #42 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (25/100). Graduates earn a median $34,071 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,754 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 42 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Registered Nurses and related roles — a field with $86,070 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the Registered Nurse career guide →Choosing a nursing program is a significant decision for many students and families. In Tennessee, there are 41 nursing colleges that prepare graduates for rewarding careers in healthcare. With nursing roles projected to grow significantly in the coming years, now is a great time to explore options.
What sets the top nursing colleges apart are their outcomes, which include graduate earnings, completion rates, and debt levels. The schools listed below not only offer quality education but also show how well their graduates fare in the job market. Pay attention to key metrics like earnings and debt when comparing programs, as these will impact your long-term financial health.
For example, Baptist Health Sciences University stands out with average earnings of $72,529 for graduates, but carries a higher debt of $29,500. In contrast, Dyersburg State Community College has lower earnings at $36,132 but a much lower net price of $4,612 and debt of $6,900. Each option has trade-offs, making this decision more complex but also more tailored to individual needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 35 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Tennessee State University leads the group at 2.9%, with Christian Brothers University (2.6%) and Southern Adventist University (2.4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Southwest Tennessee Community College enrolls the most, at 19.3%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 14.4% across the list, peaking at 57.9% at Rhodes College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.31, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Bethel University is highest at 1.82.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When looking at earnings and debt, Baptist Health Sciences University and Dyersburg State Community College illustrate the trade-offs. Baptist graduates enjoy a high earning potential with $72,529 annually, yet they face a substantial average debt of $29,500. In contrast, Dyersburg graduates earn $36,132 but graduate with only $6,900 in debt, highlighting how program choice can affect financial outcomes.
As you weigh these options, consider your personal priorities. If minimizing debt is crucial, community colleges like Dyersburg State might be more appealing. However, if you're focused on higher earning potential and are willing to take on more debt, programs like those at Baptist Health Sciences could be worth the investment. Reflect on what matters most to you—be it location, program fit, or campus culture—as you narrow down your choices.
Ultimately, these decisions impact not just education but the journey to a stable life. A solid nursing program can lead to a fulfilling career, but it's essential to choose one that aligns with your financial and personal goals. One family's decision could shape their future, so take the time to evaluate each option carefully.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee ranking? +
Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $57,478 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 55% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Baptist Health Sciences University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $72,529 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,743 average across the 42 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Roane State Community College leads: graduates earn a median $39,407 against net price of about $4,270 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Rhodes College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 83%, compared with a 46% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,533 a year across the 42 ranked schools with cost data. Roane State Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $4,270. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Nursing Colleges in Tennessee ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 42 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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