Study.com has gathered the facts to determine the best online schools in Tennessee These great schools were ranked using several data points from the United States Department of Education, such as tuition rates and graduation rates, and college specific information about services available, programs offered, and student statistics.
Study.com's rankings are unique in that they emphasize accessibility, affordability, and quality of education, which we considered the most important attributes in our ranking lists. Schools on this list are sure to give you a high caliber education so you can earn your online degree without breaking the bank
1. University of Memphis
Students at the University of Memphis can choose from an impressively wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees online through the University of Memphis Global, their online platform. Some of the programs offered by this Memphis-based school include a Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in Accountancy, Management, Finance, Marketing Management, and more. This Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)-accredited school is proud of the fact that their faculty are both experienced and wholly dedicated to the success of their online students.
2. East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers incredible fully online and partially online programs that are taught by top-notch, award-winning faculty members. Some of the online undergraduate programs offered here include a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, among many other options. Graduate programs offered online at this Johnson City school include a Master of Science in Digital Marketing, a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration, and an EdS in Educational Leadership. This school ensures many exceptional services are available to its online students, like academic advising, the campus bookstore, career counseling, library services, and tutoring.
3. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Those that hope to earn an online degree in Tennessee can do so from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville through one of their online or hybrid programs to earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctoral degree, or graduate certificate. Online students here can take advantage of fantastic services like the Student Success Center, which can serve as an advocate for students who need it. Online students don't have to feel isolated at this school, as they have the chance to collaborate and interact with distinguished faculty and other students throughout their educational career.
4. Southern Adventist University
The Online Campus at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale boasts that students there get the chance to communicate with faculty often, making it feel like they are getting the same attention as their on-campus peers. Incredible online classes can be taken throughout the year for undergraduate students and the school offers several fully-online graduate degrees including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a dual Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration program. In addition to completing courses online, students also have access to the McKee Library's extensive online databases, journals, and books.
5. Freed-Hardeman University
Freed-Hardeman University has online programs that range from the associate to graduate level in areas like business administration, teaching, counseling, and much more. This school in Henderson understands that some potential students might be nervous to enter into an online program, so it offers a helpful Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire to help people determine if online education is right for them. This university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, so students can be certain they are getting an exceptional education.
6. Tennessee Technological University
Those that attend Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville can take online courses that have an impressive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). There are many undergraduate courses offered online, and students can take all online courses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting degree. Students can also complete a great Master of Arts degree online, and this program offers a variety of concentrations and assistantships to ensure its students make the most of their education.
7. Lee University
Offering a substantial 14 online undergraduate programs, four online graduate degree programs, and five online certificate programs, Lee University is a great choice for students looking for an online education. This school is located in Cleveland, and some of the fantastic online programs offered through it include a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies, Master of Business Administration, Certificate in Pastoral Studies, and many more. Students that choose to pursue one of these online programs will have the opportunity to complete a fully online student orientation to prepare for classes.
8. Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville offers an array of wonderful online programs that can lead to students earning an associate's, bachelor's, graduate certificate, or a master's degree. There are 36 fully online programs offered at this school, and some of these programs include a bachelor's degree in management, an associate's degree in liberal arts, a graduate certificate in project management, and more. Online students will have access to fantastic support through the school's website, through academic advisors that can be contacted online, and online technical support. They also give students the chance to attend an online student orientation to prepare for eCampus classes.
9. Middle Tennessee State University
Students at Middle Tennessee State University, which is based in Murfreesboro, can take part in one of 14 incredible programs that are offered completely online. The online programs here are endorsed by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and they are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), demonstrating just how thorough of an education students here will receive. Just a few of the degree programs offered here include a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Business Administration, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree.
10. Johnson University
There are a vast number of online programs offered to students at Johnson University in Knoxville like certificates, associates, bachelors, masters, and a PhD. Some of these programs include the more unique offerings of an Associate's in Business Administration, Bachelor's degree in Intercultural Studies, and PhD in Leadership Studies. Online students can utilize exceptional student services like an academic advisor, the Academic Support Center, career counseling, and the library. There are also opportunities for online students to receive financial aid just like their traditional on-campus counterparts.
11. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga is home to this campus of the University of Tennessee, which offers five outstanding programs completely online including an RN to BSN program, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, Master of Science in Engineering Management program, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master of Business Administration. There are also two hybrid programs available to students including a Doctorate in Learning and Leadership and an MSN Nurse Anesthesia program. Some of the many excellent services available to online students at this school are online library services, an online registration system, the Writing and Communication Center, online exam proctoring, and tutoring opportunities.
12. The University of Tennessee - Martin
The University of Tennessee in Martin offers eight online undergraduate degree programs and five online graduate degree programs, some of which include a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Science in Education, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications. Online students here will have the chance to use the amazing Virtual Writing Center to get help with all aspects of writing including brainstorming, citations, and grammar. Students can also take courses over the summer through the Skyhawk Summer Academy.
13. Lipscomb University
Those that choose to attend Lipscomb University, which is based in Nashville, can enter into a one of the 31 fully online undergraduate degree programs or the 9 online graduate programs. Some of these fantastic programs include a Bachelor of Science in Business Leadership, Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies, Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership, Master of Science in Sustainability, and more. Amazingly, online students can work with the CORE Competency Assessment Center to get up to 30 credits for work and experience that they have already acquired, which will help them complete their degree more quickly.
14. Carson-Newman University
Students that are interested in online programs can attend Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City to earn either a graduate or an undergraduate degree in areas including business, counseling, education, nursing, and technology. A selection of the online programs offered here include a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Arts in Applied Theology. They also boast proudly that they are a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon School, and they offer all of their students access to the Stephens-Burnett Memorial Library, Student Success & Career Counseling, Counseling Services, and more.
15. Lincoln Memorial University
Offering both online and hybrid courses along with online degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, Lincoln Memorial University is a spectacular option for students looking for an online school. This institution based out of Harrogate offers programs to earn many degrees, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, and Doctor of Medical Science. There is an option for students that are considering online courses or programs here where they can take an online quiz to ensure an online program is a good fit before they enroll.
16. King University
Students that want to attend King University based in Bristol can take part in online degree programs that provide students with courses that are offered all year around and tuition that they boast to be affordable. This institution offers exceptional certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs like the Nurse Educator Certificate, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, Master of Science in Nursing, and more. This school will also readily accept transfer credits and that the online department is a Military Friendly School.
17. Cumberland University
Cumberland University located in Lebanon offers distinguished online programs including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This school understands the importance of a quality education at an affordable price, so it offers financial assistance to online students and all courses are taught by faculty that are at the top of their field. Students enrolled in online classes here will still have the opportunity to interact with faculty members through phone calls or meetings on-campus.
18. Bryan College-Dayton
Bryan College in Dayton offers wonderful online undergraduate programs including an Associate's in Business, Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Applied Psychology, and a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. They also offer exceptional online graduate programs including a Master's in Business Administration, Master's in Christian Ministry, Master's in Education, Master of Arts in Human Services, and Graduate Certificates. This school boasts that their online graduate programs are much less expensive than other graduate programs, and certain undergraduates may even be eligible to earn their master's degree completely free if they pursue it immediately upon graduating with their bachelor's from the college.
19. Tennessee Wesleyan University
Students that are busy working full-time who want to enter into an online program can attend Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens. Programs here are designed so that students can still work while earning their degree. They offer an amazing RN-to-BSN degree program and a Master of Business Administration degree fully online, as well as a Professional Leadership in Criminal Justice degree that provides hybrid instruction possibilities.
20. Tusculum University
Offering both an online Bachelor of Science in Management and an online Master of Arts in Education, Tusculum University in Greenville is a great option for those looking for a wonderful online school. The school recognizes that it's always beneficial to get a jump start on education, so high school students can take advantage of an incredible dual enrollment program that offers online college courses in the Spring, Summer, or Fall sessions.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
