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Do you work in Tennessee or hope to relocate there for a career change? Online colleges in Tennessee may be an affordable, flexible path to realizing your educational and professional plans.

Tennessee's online degrees offer cheap tuition and support for working learners. These programs can prepare you for a career in one of the state's major industries, which include healthcare, manufacturing, and music and entertainment.

Read on to explore our rankings of the best online colleges in Tennessee and see how they can fit into your journey as a learner.

Top 5 online schools in Tennessee: Quick facts

College	School stats
The University of Tennessee Knoxville Knoxville, TN	Acceptance rate:78%  Graduation rate:71% Distance education program established in the 80s. Online master's degrees in environmental engineering, strategic and digital communication, and industrial engineering
Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, TN	Acceptance rate:69% Graduation rate:61% Student-to-teacher ratio:10:1 Online classes use the Blackboard learning management system
Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN	Acceptance rate:63% Graduation rate:52% Affiliated with Church of Nazarene Online master's in sport and entertainment management benefits from global partnerships
Union University Jackson, TN	Acceptance rate:58% Graduation rate:69% Student-to-teacher ratio:9:1 Affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN	Acceptance rate:94% Graduation rate:49% Qualifying Tennessee residents can attend tuition-free Tuition support for veterans and active service members

The 10 best online colleges in Tennessee

Before browsing our rankings of the best online colleges in Tennessee, take a moment to familiarize yourself with ZDNet's ranking methodology. Bear in mind that one of our criteria is the number and variety of available online bachelor's and master's programs.

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. 

1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee

About the school:Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is the flagship school of the University of Tennessee system. The school's online catalog includes over 70 online degrees and certificates, including online master's degrees in environmental engineering, industrial engineering, and strategic and digital communication.

• Acceptance rate:78% 
• Graduation rate:71%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$353-$564 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$639-$811 per credit
• Student body population:31,701
• Student-to-teacher ratio:17:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Four
• Number of online master's degree programs:18
• Avg.SATrange for admitted students:1140-1303
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, accelerated, and hybrid 

Accreditation:University of Tennessee, Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

2. Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, Tennessee

About the school:A private university in the heart of Appalachia, Lincoln Memorial University offers online and hybrid programs in healthcare and education-related majors, such as its online master's in veterinary education. Online classes use the Blackboard learning management system.

• Acceptance rate:69%
• Graduation rate:61%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$420-$1,030 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$505-$1,080 per credit
• Student body population:5,118
• Student-to-teacher ratio:10:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:One
• Number of online master's degree programs:Six
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1000-1220
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:Lincoln Memorial University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

3. Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee

About the school:A private Church of Nazarene university established in 1901, Trevecca Nazarene University provides affordable online degrees for working learners. Offerings include an online master's in sport and entertainment management.

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• Acceptance rate:63% 
• Graduation rate:52%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$325-$419 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$435-$706 per credit
• Student body population:3,717
• Student-to-teacher ratio:17:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Six
• Number of online master's degree programs:15
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1040-1253
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

4. Union University
Jackson, Tennessee

About the school:Founded in 1823, Union University builds its 100+ programs of study on Southern Baptist values. The school's online classes use the Canvas learning management system.

• Acceptance rate:58%
• Graduation rate:67%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$505-$1,150 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$385-$675 per credit
• Student body population:2,930
• Student-to-teacher ratio:9:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Three
• Number of online master's degree programs:Seven
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1070-1330
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, accelerated, and hybrid 

Accreditation:Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

About the school:A public university based in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University serves working learners with practical, affordable online degrees. State residents of qualifying income can attend the school tuition-free. 

• Acceptance rate:94%
• Graduation rate:49%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$459-$1,099 per credit
• Price for graduate degree: $783-$1,445 per credit
• Student body population:21,568
• Student-to-teacher ratio:16:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:17
• Number of online master's degree programs:13
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:990-1200
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:Middle Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

6. Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee

About the school:Established in 1851, Carson-Newman University is a private Baptist university whose unique resources include its Appalachian Cultural Center. The school offers several online degrees geared towards working learners, including an online MBA.

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• Acceptance rate: 79% 
• Graduation rate: 50%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$330 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$435-$650 per credit
• Student body population:2,835
• Student-to-teacher ratio:14:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Two
• Number of online master's degree programs:Three
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:950-1230
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, varies
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:Carson-Newman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

7. University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, Tennessee

About the school:A public university established in 1927, UT Martin offers several online degrees, including an innovative online master's in agriculture and natural resources and an online master's in sport coaching performance. Online classes use the Canvas learning management system.

• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Graduation rate: 51%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$426-463 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$631-$688 per credit
• Student body population:6,712
• Student-to-teacher ratio:15:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:12
• Number of online master's degree programs:Seven
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Not publicly available
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:University of Tennessee at Martin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

8. King University
Bristol, Tennessee

About the school:Founded in 1867, King University is a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The school's online catalog includes an online master's in social work that prepares for work as a licensed clinical social worker in Tennessee.

• Acceptance rate: 60%
• Graduation rate: 73%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$305-$330 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$605-$610 per credit
• Student body population:1,656
• Student-to-teacher ratio:11:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:12
• Number of online master's degree programs:Four
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:960-1150
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

9. Lee University
Cleveland, Tennessee

About the school:A private Church of God university based in Cleveland near the Chattanooga metropolitan area, Lee University offers practical online degrees. The school's online catalog includes an online master's in marriage and family studies, online bachelor's in human services, and online MBA, along with various online ministry degrees.

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• Acceptance rate: 83% 
• Graduation rate: 54%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$275-$410 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$601-$825 per credit
• Student body population:4,505
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:Seven
• Number of online master's degree programs:Three
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:970-1200
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous and accelerated 

Accreditation:Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

10. University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee

About the school:Founded in 1912, University of Memphis is one of the state's largest universities. The school's wide range of online degrees include an online master's in sport and hospitality management and an online BBA with a concentration in business information and technology.

• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Graduation rate: 50%
• Price for undergraduate degree:$419 per credit
• Price for graduate degree:$606 per credit
• Student body population:21,622
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1
• Number of online bachelor degree programs:36
• Number of online master's degree programs:35
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:990-1200
• Minimum GPA:Undergraduate, 2.0; graduate, 3.0
• Course delivery method:Synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid 

Accreditation:University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

In conclusion

If you're still curious about online colleges in Tennessee, don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or career counselor.

Schools with rolling admissions, open admissions policies, and support for working learners make it easier than ever to start online college today.

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