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Tennessee, commonly known as The Volunteer State, is the sixteenth biggest state by population with about seven million people calling it home. It is nestled amidst six states that include Missouri, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas. With the emphasis placed on higher education, the state has over two hundred accredited colleges and universities across its 95 counties. With nearly three dozen private colleges to research, students need the ability to sort and filter colleges that fit their needs most closely. Begin your college search and degree evaluation with MatchCollege. Ouradmissions guide,cost savingsguidebook, andinsider admissionseBook will help get your pointed the right direction. Your search for the best private school for you is truly only a click away as you can collect information from nearly 8,000 accredited schools via our educational portal. Invest your time wisely and use the MatchCollege system to connect with the perfect private school in Tennessee for you.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University is a nonprofit private institution that has many degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Nashville, TN, in a predominantly urban area. Vanderbilt University has a yearly student enrollment of over 13,000. Here is a list of some of the popular programs VU offers:
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Social Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
Enrollment
12,824
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Rhodes College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, which is a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Rhodes College is nearly 1,700 annually.
Students can select from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. The most common exam scores among applicants admitted to this school are within the range of 26 to 31 on the ACT, or 1770 to 2060 on the SAT exam. 50% of students that apply are admitted to Rhodes College, of which 21% choose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $40,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. Some students at Rhodes College may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for Rhodes College is the "Lynx", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.rhodes.edu.
Enrollment
2,036
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Sewanee - The University of the South is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Sewanee, Tennessee, which is a predominantly rural area. The school maintains a Protestant Episcopal Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Sewanee - The University of the South has an annual student enrollment of over a thousand. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- English Language And Literature
- Psychology
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Social Sciences
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- History
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,785
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Belmont University provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Nashville, Tennessee and operated as a private institution. The Interdenominational affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately 5,900 students are enrolled annually at Belmont University.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at Belmont University. A score between 1060 - 1270 on the SAT, or 24 - 29 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. 82% of students that apply are accepted to Belmont University, of which 36% choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at belmont.edu.
The cost of tuition is nearly $27,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should visit the school's tuition calculator to get a better idea of their costs. Housing is available for students, which costs around $5,800 annually. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Belmont University "Bruins" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Sports available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Contact information, financial aid information, programs, and more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.belmont.edu.
Enrollment
8,260
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Union University is a nonprofit private college that has a fair number of majors and degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Jackson, Tennessee, in a predominantly urban area. The Southern Baptist affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Union University has a yearly student enrollment of around four thousand.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1040 - 1320 on the SAT and within the range of 23 - 28 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to this school. Approximately 80% of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 35% of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may check the school's price of attendance calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. On-campus housing is available for students and costs about $7,500 each year. Students at this school may qualify for aid which is usually loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for Union University is the "Bulldogs", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NAIA. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Students may visit the school's http://www.uu.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
3,247
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
History
Lipscomb University is a 4 year institution located in Nashville, TN. Founded by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding in 1891, the school was founded as a Bible college. Over the next 50 years the school grew, becoming a junior college, and in 1948 a university. Today Lipscomb University offers a liberal arts education along with spiritual guidance. Students of Lipscomb University are prepared spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically for life and eternity.
Academics
Lipscomb University offers undergraduate and graduate programs for a large number of majors. The school was ranked 18th in the US News and World Reports in its 2011 list of America's Best Colleges Regional Universities (South). Lipscomb University is dedicated to the intellectual development of its students as demanded by God.
Some programs available:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to attend Lipscomb University will have to complete and submit the application along with all pertinent information, recommendations, transcripts (high school or college) and ACT or SAT scores and set up an interview with an admissions officer. After the application has been evaluated along with the interview the student will be notified if he or she has been admitted. Students interested in receiving financial aid should complete and submit the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the financial aid office with any questions they may have.
Athletics
The Lipscomb University Bisons participate in a large number of sports. The school recently entered the NCAA Division 1 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The school has an ongoing rivalry with the nearby Belmont University.
Sports Programs:
- Basketball
- Baseball/Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Soccer
Enrollment
4,620
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Abilene Christian University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Abilene, Texas, it resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school's Churches of Christ affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately four thousand students are enrolled annually at Abilene Christian University. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Family And Consumer Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
5,204
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
CBU provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Memphis, Tennessee and operated as a private institution. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Enrollment at CBU is nearly 1,800 yearly.
Areas of study available at Christian Brothers University include:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Physical Sciences
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 960 to 1250 on the SAT and within the range of 21 to 26 for the ACT exam is typical among students admitted to CBU. Roughly 50 percent of all students that applied were accepted at CBU, with 33 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $29,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better estimate their cost of attending this school. Christian Brothers University may offer financial aid for students that qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for CBU is the "Buccaneers", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Students can visit the school's http://www.cbu.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
2,034
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Lee University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Cleveland, TN, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school maintains a Church of God affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Lee University has an annual student enrollment of approximately four thousand. Areas of study available at Lee University include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Communications And Journalism
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
5,386
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
King College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Bristol, Tennessee, which is a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately 1,900 students are enrolled annually at King College.
Students can choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Education
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admissions to this school. A score in a range of 1280 - 1600 on the SAT, or 20 - 26 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. An estimated 70% of all students that applied were admitted at King College, with 29% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found at admissions.king.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $26,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attending this school. On-campus housing is available for students and costs about $4,500 each year. Students enrolled at King College may be eligible for aid which is generally scholarships, grants, and loans.
The King College "Tornado" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
- Softball (NCAA Division II)
Contact information, financial aid information, programs offered, and much more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.king.edu.
Enrollment
1,948
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Freed - Hardeman University is a nonprofit private institution located in Henderson, Tennessee and provides a large number of program options for students. The school maintains a Churches of Christ affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Nearly 2,000 students enroll at Freed - Hardeman University annually. Students can choose from many areas of study, including:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Education
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Family And Consumer Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
2,037
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Carson - Newman College is a nonprofit private institution located in Jefferson City, TN and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school maintains a Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Carson - Newman College has an annual student enrollment of about two thousand.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
- Philosophy And Religious Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then studied by the admissions staff. Most common test scores among applicants accepted to Carson - Newman College are in the range of 20 - 25 for the ACT exam, or 855 - 1115 on the SAT exam. Roughly 70 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 19 percent of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $24,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. Housing may be available for students who wish to live on-campus for around a cost of $2,800 each year. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Carson - Newman College Eagles participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Available sports offered may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Students who wish to view more about this school can check out their website at http://www.cn.edu.
Enrollment
2,560
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Trevecca Nazarene University is a nonprofit private institution located in Nashville, TN and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school's Church of the Nazarene affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Enrollment at Trevecca Nazarene University exceeds two thousand per year.
Students can choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Psychology
- Library Science
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at Trevecca Nazarene University. A score between 880 to 1140 on the SAT, or 19 to 24 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. This school accepts approximately 70 percent of students applying. Of those applicants admitted, around 34 percent registered for enrollment. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $23,000 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Housing may be available for those that would like to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $4,100 each year. Some students at Trevecca Nazarene University may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Trevecca Nazarene University "Trojans" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Contact information, academics information, programs offered, and more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.trevecca.edu.
Enrollment
3,927
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Lincoln Memorial University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Harrogate, TN and operated as a private institution. Enrollment at LMU exceeds 4,400 annually. Here is a list of some of the popular programs LMU offers:
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
4,798
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Southern Adventist University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Collegedale, TN, the school resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The school's Seventh Day Adventists affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Southern Adventist University has a yearly student enrollment of over three thousand. Students can choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Visual And Performing Arts
Enrollment
2,942
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Maryville College is a nonprofit private institution located in Maryville, Tennessee and provides a large number of program options for students. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Maryville College has an annual student enrollment of approximately 1,100.
Areas of study offered at Maryville College include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Social Sciences
- History
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Most students accepted to Maryville College earn an SAT score between 950 - 1200, or an ACT score in a range of 22 - 27. This school has an acceptance rate of about 66 percent of which only 22 percent chose to attend. More information on admissions can be found at maryvillecollege.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $33,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. Housing may be available for students that want to live on-campus for a cost of $5,000 annually. Maryville College may help with costs by offering financial aid for students that are eligible by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Maryville College Scots participate in a number of athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Students may visit the Maryville College website to see a complete list of areas of study, financial aid details, and more.
Enrollment
1,146
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Fisk University is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Nashville, TN. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The lower student/teacher ratio and access to faculty is due primarily to the smaller enrollment, about 600 students, maintained by Fisk University. Areas of study offered at Fisk University include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Softball (NAIA Division I)
- Tennis (NAIA Division I)
- Volleyball (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
780
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Bryan College - Dayton provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Dayton, TN and operated as a private institution. The school's Interdenominational affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled per year at William Jennings Bryan College.
Students may select from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1420 - 1880 on the SAT and between 20 - 26 for the ACT exam is common among students admitted to Bryan College - Dayton. 57% of applicants are accepted to Bryan College - Dayton, of which 49 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found at bryan.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $22,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's tuition calculator to understand their costs. Bryan College - Dayton may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who qualify as grants and loans.
Athletic programs are available at Bryan College - Dayton through the NAIA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Sports available may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
- Softball (NAIA Division II)
Students may visit the William Jennings Bryan College website to see a complete list of programs offered, financial aid details, and more.
Enrollment
1,363
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Cumberland University provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Lebanon, TN and operated as a private institution. CU has a yearly student enrollment of around a thousand.
Areas of study offered at Cumberland University include:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Most students admitted to CU have an SAT score within the range of 880 - 1130, or an ACT composite score between 20 - 24. 49% of students that apply are accepted to CU, of which 57 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $21,000 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should check the school's net price calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible as grants and loans.
The Cumberland University "Bulldogs" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.cumberland.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
2,405
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Tennessee Wesleyan College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Athens, Tennessee, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Around a thousand students enroll at Tennessee Wesleyan College yearly. Students may pick from a few areas of study, including:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Lacrosse (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,008
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Tusculum College provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Greeneville, TN and operated as a private institution. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Nearly 2,200 students enroll at Tusculum College per year.
Students can pick from many areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Visual And Performing Arts
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Students may provide either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions at this school. A score within the range of 850 to 1085 on the SAT, or 19 to 24 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. 69% of those students that apply are admitted to this school, of which 13 percent choose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at tusculum.edu.
The cost of tuition is nearly $23,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Tusculum College Pioneers participate in a number of athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Available sports offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Students who would like to view more about this school may check out their website at http://www.tusculum.edu.
Enrollment
1,735
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Martin Methodist College provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Pulaski, Tennessee and operated as a private institution. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Enrollment at Martin Methodist College is nearly a thousand annually.
Students can choose from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, admitting all applicants that meet the requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and admissions essays may be needed for certain programs. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $23,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Martin Methodist College may help with costs by offering financial aid for students that are eligible as grants and loans.
The Martin Methodist College Redhawks participate in several athletic programs, within the NAIA organization. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Students may visit the school's http://www.martinmethodist.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
910
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Bethel University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in McKenzie, TN, which is a predominantly rural area. BU's Cumberland Presbyterian affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Nearly four thousand students enroll at Bethel University annually. Areas of study offered at Bethel University include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
5,407
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Lane College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Jackson, Tennessee. A majority of historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school's Christian Methodist Episcopal affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Approximately 2,200 students are enrolled per year at Lane College.
Students may choose from several areas of study, including:
- Business Administration
- Corrections
- Sociology
- Biology
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Physical Education
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. The majority of students at Lane College scored in a range of 14 - 17 on the ACT exam. Roughly 30% of all applicant were admitted at Lane College, with 28% of those admitted choosing to attend.
Tuition is approximately $9,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should check the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Some students at Lane College may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for Lane College is the "Dragons", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NCAA. Athletic programs available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
- Softball (NCAA Division II)
- Tennis (NCAA Division II)
Students who would like to view more about Lane College may take a look at their website at http://www.lanecollege.edu.
Enrollment
1,232
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Le Moyne - Owen College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. Many historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school maintains a Protestant affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Le Moyne - Owen College is nearly 990 annually.
Students can select from a few areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. The majority of students at Le Moyne - Owen College scored within the range of 14 to 17 on the ACT exam. Approximately 40% of all applicant were admitted at Le Moyne - Owen College, with 47% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $11,000 per year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Housing is available for students, and generally costs approximately $2,800 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of grants or student loans.
Athletic programs are available at Le Moyne - Owen College through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Students can visit the school's http://www.loc.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
885
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Top Rated Tennessee Private Colleges

Top ranked private colleges in Tennessee include the following institutions: Vanderbilt University,Rhodes College, Union University, Belmont University, The University of the South, and Johnson University. Private colleges are defined by the fact they do not accept public funding. In other words, they are required to operate using alumni donations, grants, tuition, internal operations, and corporate donations. Private universities are generally smaller than their state college counterparts, focusing on smaller class sizes and moderating the student to teacher ratios.
Popular Degrees at Private Colleges in Tennessee

Graduate and undergraduate degree programs are available from dozens of private colleges in Tennessee to help you find your academic path. You may be interested in following an emerging area of study such astoxicology,cytotechnology,robotics,entomology,actuarial science, orbiophysicsor a more traditional degree route. Perineal programs that garner attention will generally includeaccounting,history,finance,biology,math,creative writing,engineering,teaching, andcriminology. With so many choices to consider, how do you determine which degree is best for you?
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Tennessee
There are 12 large private universities in our database for Tennessee. Follow the links below to get more details about each school.
Large Universities with Research Facilities or Faculty
The universities listed below offer many diverse academic programs, have a large student body, and usually have research facilities or faculty involved with research. These schools very often have graduate and professional programs as well.

Northeast State Technical Community College in Nashville, TN
Visit the website for Northeast State Technical Community College at northeaststate.edu
Program Details
- 1,000 to 4,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
- Estimated tuition & fees: $5,000 per year

Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) in Nashville, TN
Visit the website for Volunteer State Community College at volstate.edu
Program Details
- 10,000 to 19,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
- Estimated tuition & fees: $5,000 per year
Large Primarily Academic Universities
Each university listed below offers a diverse set of degrees and programs, unlike the research universities listed above, these schools contain little to no research activity on campus and are primarily academic.
- Bethel University (Bethel) in Nashville, TN
- Carson - Newman College (William Jennings Bryan College) in Dayton, TN
- Chattanooga State Community College in Jefferson City, TN
- Freed - Hardeman University in Gallatin, TN
- Lee University in Memphis, TN
- Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Cleveland, TN
- Lipscomb University (David Lipscomb University) in Lebanon, TN
- South College in Bristol, TN
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Athens, TN
- Vanderbilt University in Jackson, TN
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- in Milligan, TN
- Bryan College - Dayton (William Jennings Bryan College) in McKenzie, TN
- Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN
- Lane College in Knoxville, TN
- Le Moyne - Owen College in Jackson, TN
- Maryville College in Pulaski, TN
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Health Professions Schools
- Belmont University in Memphis, TN
- Tennessee Wesleyan College in Memphis, TN
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- Middle Tennessee State University in Memphis, TN
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Tennessee in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.