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Rankings / By State

Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker Updated 2026-07-13 32 schools Agent Insights
32
Schools
$51,771
Avg. Earnings
56%
Avg. Graduation
$19,720
Avg. Net Price
$21,951
Avg. Debt

CollegeRanker Research

What Surprised Us Most

  1. Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $40,596 at the low end to $91,565 at the top. That 2.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.

  2. Christian Brothers University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $57,478 against $9,854 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.

  3. The most budget-friendly option on this list is Austin Peay State University, at $9,735 annually in net price.

  4. Completion rates separate this field: Vanderbilt University graduates 93% of its students, well above the 56% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.

  5. Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Vanderbilt University: graduates owe only 0.15× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.

Surprising Comparisons

The Takeaway

A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.

What This Means for Students

For students evaluating these schools, begin with Christian Brothers University and Vanderbilt University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.

Why this ranking matters

These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.

How we measure this — full methodology →

How we rank · 4 pillars

Economic outcomes30%
Social mobility35%
Value (earnings vs. cost)20%
Academic quality15%

Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →

$49K
Median grad earnings
10 yrs after entry
56%
Average graduation rate
Across the list
$20K
Average net price
After grants/aid
68%
Average admit rate
Selectivity
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
32 institutions ranked
2026-07-13 Last updated
100% Public / federal sources

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
$91,565
▲ +77% vs avg
$15,846 93%
75
2
Maryville College
#2 overall
$49,279
▼ -5% vs avg
$19,360 49%
72
3
Johnson University
#3 overall
$40,596
▼ -22% vs avg
$22,063 59%
72
$45,989
▼ -11% vs avg
$14,836 46%
71
$49,378
▼ -5% vs avg
$16,813 54%
69

Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.

See full ranking →

Executive Summary

Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee

This analysis ranks 32 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,771 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $19,720.

Key takeaways

Our Analysis Found

110%
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
CollegeRanker examined 5,745 U.S. colleges and found (n=3,655). Mean net price and mean 10-year earnings by ownership type (College Scorecard).

Human Services Workforce Analysis

What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?

$48,910

Median earnings (10yr)

53%

Median graduation rate

$19,806

Median net price

1.3%

Avg. mobility rate

Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.

Start with the medians across these 32 schools. Graduates earn a median of $48,910 ten years after enrollment, or about $910 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 53%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,806 a year with about $21,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 32% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.3%.

In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $48,910 and a net price of about $19,806 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.

The podium

Build your ranking

Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.

Full rankings

1
·
Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · 6% accepted · $15,846 net

75

Why it ranks #1

Vanderbilt University lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (80/100). Graduates earn a median $91,565 a decade after enrolling, 77% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,846 a year, well under 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

Academic
84
Economic
84
Social mobility
82
Value
80
View full profile →
2
·
Maryville College

Maryville, TN · 61% accepted · $19,360 net

72

Why it ranks #2

Maryville College lands at #2 with a 72/100 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% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,360 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

Academic
68
Economic
61
Social mobility
84
Value
52
View full profile →
3
·
Johnson University

Knoxville, TN · 65% accepted · $22,063 net

72

Why it ranks #3

Johnson University lands at #3 with a 72/100 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, 22% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
58
Social mobility
85
Value
51
View full profile →
4
·
Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN · 69% accepted · $14,836 net

71

Why it ranks #4

Tennessee Wesleyan University lands at #4 with a 71/100 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, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,836 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, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
66
Economic
63
Social mobility
82
Value
61
View full profile →
5
·
Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, TN · 69% accepted · $16,813 net

69

Why it ranks #5

Trevecca Nazarene University lands at #5 with a 69/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,813 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, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
66
Social mobility
83
Value
61
View full profile →
6
·
Bethel University

McKenzie, TN · 60% accepted · $12,595 net

68

Why it ranks #6

Bethel University lands at #6 with a 68/100 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, 8% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
61
Economic
60
Social mobility
84
Value
62
View full profile →
7
·
Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN · 67% accepted · $18,759 net

67

Why it ranks #7

Cumberland University lands at #7 with a 67/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,759 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
52
Economic
69
Social mobility
82
Value
62
View full profile →
8
·
Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN · 87% accepted · $9,854 net

67

Why it ranks #8

Christian Brothers University lands at #8 with a 67/100 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, 11% 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

Academic
77
Economic
64
Social mobility
80
Value
68
View full profile →
9
·
Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN · 63% accepted · $20,406 net

67

Why it ranks #9

Lincoln Memorial University lands at #9 with a 67/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,406 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

Academic
59
Economic
64
Social mobility
81
Value
55
View full profile →
10
·
Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · 69% accepted · $13,359 net

66

Why it ranks #10

Middle Tennessee State University lands at #10 with a 66/100 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, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,359 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, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
69
Economic
64
Social mobility
80
Value
69
View full profile →
11
·
The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · 57% accepted · $27,872 net

66

Why it ranks #11

The University of the South lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $64,911 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,872 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

Academic
79
Economic
69
Social mobility
82
Value
58
View full profile →
12
·
Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · 50% accepted · $28,585 net

66

Why it ranks #12

Rhodes College lands at #12 with a 66/100 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, 29% 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

Academic
85
Economic
71
Social mobility
82
Value
50
View full profile →
13
·
Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN · 66% accepted · $24,345 net

64

Why it ranks #13

Southern Adventist University lands at #13 with a 64/100 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, 4% 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 carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
77
Economic
64
Social mobility
82
Value
50
View full profile →
14
·
Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN · 68% accepted · $24,739 net

64

Why it ranks #14

Lipscomb University lands at #14 with a 64/100 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, 7% 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

Academic
69
Economic
68
Social mobility
82
Value
54
View full profile →
15
·
Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · 96% accepted · $9,735 net

63

Why it ranks #15

Austin Peay State University lands at #15 with a 63/100 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, 14% 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

Academic
69
Economic
61
Social mobility
83
Value
71
View full profile →
16
·
East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · 86% accepted · $15,983 net

63

Why it ranks #16

East Tennessee State University lands at #16 with a 63/100 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, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,983 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

Academic
63
Economic
62
Social mobility
81
Value
64
View full profile →
17
·
Lee University

Cleveland, TN · 71% accepted · $18,878 net

62

Why it ranks #17

Lee University lands at #17 with a 62/100 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, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,878 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

Academic
70
Economic
57
Social mobility
82
Value
57
View full profile →
18
·
University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · 72% accepted · $12,397 net

61

Why it ranks #18

University of Memphis lands at #18 with a 61/100 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, 6% below 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, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
68
Economic
62
Social mobility
75
Value
65
View full profile →
19
·
Union University

Jackson, TN · 60% accepted · $27,171 net

61

Why it ranks #19

Union University lands at #19 with a 61/100 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, 4% 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 carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
81
Economic
66
Social mobility
82
Value
44
View full profile →
20
·
Belmont University

Nashville, TN · 95% accepted · $33,147 net

61

Why it ranks #20

Belmont University lands at #20 with a 61/100 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, 8% 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

Academic
72
Economic
67
Social mobility
83
Value
45
View full profile →
21
·
Milligan University

Milligan, TN · 72% accepted · $21,365 net

60

Why it ranks #21

Milligan University lands at #21 with a 60/100 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, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,365 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

Academic
68
Economic
61
Social mobility
80
Value
53
View full profile →
22
·
King University

Bristol, TN · 100% accepted · $22,347 net

60

Why it ranks #22

King University lands at #22 with a 60/100 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, 16% 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

Academic
55
Economic
68
Social mobility
84
Value
46
View full profile →
23
·
Bryan College-Dayton

Dayton, TN · $20,614 net

58

Why it ranks #23

Bryan College-Dayton lands at #23 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $54,434 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,614 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
55
Economic
65
Social mobility
58
Value
54
View full profile →
24
·
Tusculum University

Greeneville, TN · 72% accepted · $21,131 net

57

Why it ranks #24

Tusculum University lands at #24 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,367 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,131 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

Academic
54
Economic
60
Social mobility
83
Value
48
View full profile →
25
·
Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · 70% accepted · $15,796 net

57

Why it ranks #25

Tennessee State University lands at #25 with a 57/100 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, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,796 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

Academic
43
Economic
57
Social mobility
80
Value
55
View full profile →
26
·
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · 42% accepted · $18,976 net

57

Why it ranks #26

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville lands at #26 with a 57/100 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, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,976 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
77
Economic
69
Social mobility
57
Value
65
View full profile →
27
·
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · 81% accepted · $14,265 net

56

Why it ranks #27

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga lands at #27 with a 56/100 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, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,265 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

Academic
62
Economic
65
Social mobility
59
Value
67
View full profile →
28
·
Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · 90% accepted · $20,251 net

53

Why it ranks #28

Carson-Newman University lands at #28 with a 53/100 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, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,251 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
58
Economic
63
Social mobility
62
Value
55
View full profile →
29
·
Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, TN · 60% accepted · $21,574 net

52

Why it ranks #29

Freed-Hardeman University lands at #29 with a 52/100 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, 8% below 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

Academic
75
Economic
63
Social mobility
59
Value
52
View full profile →
30
·
The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · 88% accepted · $10,701 net

52

Why it ranks #30

The University of Tennessee-Martin lands at #30 with a 52/100 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, 15% 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

Academic
63
Economic
61
Social mobility
56
Value
71
View full profile →
31
·
Fisk University

Nashville, TN · 37% accepted · $32,020 net

50

Why it ranks #31

Fisk University lands at #31 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,454 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $32,020 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

Academic
51
Economic
58
Social mobility
65
Value
34
View full profile →
32
·
Welch College

Gallatin, TN · $25,263 net

44

Why it ranks #32

Welch College lands at #32 with a 44/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (59/100) and pulled down by social mobility (29/100). Graduates earn a median $42,198 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,263 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

Academic
57
Economic
59
Social mobility
29
Value
43
View full profile →
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Cut it by what you care about

The same 32 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.

Where the programs are

When choosing a psychology program in Tennessee, prospective students face an important decision. With 28 schools to consider, it's crucial to weigh factors like graduation rates, earnings, and overall student debt. For many, this choice can shape their future career and financial well-being.

What sets apart the leading psychology programs in this ranking are their outcomes. The best schools not only boast high graduation rates but also provide substantial post-graduation earnings. For instance, Vanderbilt University stands out with an impressive earning potential of $91,565, coupled with a 93% graduation rate, while some other institutions show much lower figures in both categories.

Take Vanderbilt University and Trevecca Nazarene University as examples. Vanderbilt graduates earn nearly double what Trevecca graduates do, $91,565 compared to $49,378. However, Trevecca offers a lower net price of $16,813, versus Vanderbilt's $15,846. These contrasts in earnings and costs are essential to consider as students assess their fit with each program.

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

$13K 19 $38K 12 $63K 1 $88K $113K $138K 19 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) Vanderbilt University Maryville College Johnson University Tennessee Wesleyan Trevecca Nazarene

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

Vanderbilt University 93% Maryville College 49% Johnson University 59% Tennessee Wesleyan U… 46% Trevecca Nazarene Un… 54% Bethel University 35% Cumberland University 46% Christian Brothers U… 55% Lincoln Memorial Uni… 52% Middle Tennessee Sta… 54% The University of th… 81% Rhodes College 83% Southern Adventist U… 50% Lipscomb University 70% Austin Peay State Un… 42% East Tennessee State… 52% Lee University 62% University of Memphis 50% Union University 68% Belmont University 71% Milligan University 62% King University 47% Bryan College-Dayton 53% Tusculum University 28% Tennessee State Univ… 33%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ Vanderbilt University Maryville College Johnson University Tennessee Wesleyan Trevecca Nazarene
Social Mobility

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 24 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, 8.2% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Tennessee State University enrolls the most, at 18.2%, 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 19.5% across the list, peaking at 59.3% at Vanderbilt University.

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 1.54, 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

$6K 24 $18K 8 $30K $42K $54K 24 National Avg

Looking closely at the data, it's clear that Vanderbilt University outperforms others like Christian Brothers University in key metrics. While Vanderbilt graduates see earnings of $91,565, Christian Brothers graduates earn only $57,478, despite both schools having a program focused on psychology. This suggests that Vanderbilt's resources and reputation may lead to better outcomes in the job market.

As you sift through these rankings, consider your priorities. Are you more focused on post-graduate earnings or managing student debt? A school like Vanderbilt may offer higher earnings but comes with a higher debt load. Meanwhile, institutions like Trevecca Nazarene University provide a more affordable option, but the trade-off is lower earning potential. Think about what matters most to you and how these factors align with your career goals.

This data underscores the pivotal role of education in shaping financial futures. Selecting the right psychology program isn't just about academic fit; it’s about laying a foundation for a stable and fulfilling life. Each family's decision will be unique, but informed choices can lead to better outcomes, making the difference between a challenging financial path and one that offers opportunity.

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 Psychology Colleges in Tennessee: Your Questions, Answered

What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee ranking? +

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $91,565 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 93% 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? +

Vanderbilt University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $91,565 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,771 average across the 32 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, Christian Brothers University leads: graduates earn a median $57,478 against net price of about $9,854 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? +

Vanderbilt University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 56% 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 $19,720 a year across the 32 ranked schools with cost data. Austin Peay State University is among the most affordable at roughly $9,735. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.

How is the Best Psychology 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 32 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.

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes for 2026 — report cover Download PDF

The 2026 Annual Report

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

Every state graded on what graduates earn, how far they climb, and what college really costs — the hidden geography of economic mobility, in one report.

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