2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Tennessee
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Tennessee? Our ranking highlights 143 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 40 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Tennessee
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Volunteer State Community College this year in Tennessee. Located in Gallatin, TN, Volunteer State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,756 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,740. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,462. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,150. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Volunteer State Community College profile
A rank of #2 makes Jackson State Community College one of the best values in Tennessee. This public school is set in Jackson, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $4,740, while out-of-state students pay about $17,724. Jackson State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $8,553 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,224 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Jackson State Community College
Out of the 40 schools in Tennessee in this year's value ranking, Southwest Tennessee Community College landed the #3 spot. Based in Memphis, TN, Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,766, compared with $17,750 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,406. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwest Tennessee Community College
Walters State Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Tennessee. This public school is set in Morristown, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,752, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,210. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,085. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walters State Community College
A rank of #5 makes Pellissippi State Community College one of the best values in Tennessee. Located in Knoxville, TN, Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,786, compared with $17,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,951 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,440 ten years out. Set against $8,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pellissippi State Community College
Chattanooga State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Chattanooga State Community College is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,756. Graduates carry a median of $12,079 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,598. That is a strong return on a $12,079 median debt. See the full Chattanooga State Community College profile
Nashville State Community College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Set in Nashville, TN, Nashville State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,730, with out-of-state students paying around $17,714. Nashville State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,745 in debt. Nashville State Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,519 a decade after entry. Set against $16,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Nashville State Community College profile
Columbia State Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Columbia, TN, Columbia State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,948, while out-of-state students pay about $17,772. Graduates carry a median of $12,674 in student loans. Columbia State Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,256 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,674 median debt. More on Columbia State Community College
Roane State Community College placed #9 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Set in Harriman, TN, Roane State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,998, compared with $18,630 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Roane State Community College profile
Cleveland State Community College placed #10 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Set in Cleveland, TN, Cleveland State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,762, while out-of-state students pay about $17,746. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $8,742. Median earnings reach $36,671 ten years out. Set against $8,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cleveland State Community College
Northeast State Community College placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Northeast State Community College is a public school based in Blountville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,782, while out-of-state students pay about $17,766. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $6,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,553 ten years after entry. Set against $6,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast State Community College profile
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Middle Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Tennessee Technological University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Students borrow a median of $23,324 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,151 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
Tennessee State University landed the #15 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Graduates carry a median of $29,489 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,489 median debt. Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Tennessee State University report
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,213. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee Martin profile
The University Of Tennessee came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,859. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
University Of Memphis came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,315. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Austin Peay State University landed the #19 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Located in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Austin Peay State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,530 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,301 ten years after entry. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Austin Peay State University profile
Bethel University Tennessee landed the #20 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in McKenzie, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,712. Bethel University Tennessee Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,583 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,482 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,583 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bethel University Tennessee profile
Milligan College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milligan, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,450. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,150. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,641. That is a strong return on a $26,150 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Milligan College
East Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Tennessee State University
Union University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Union University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,398. The median Science & Tech program debt is $28,605. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,990. That is a strong return on a $28,605 median debt. Union University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Union University
Carson Newman College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit school based in Jefferson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,843. Median earnings reach $48,382 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Carson Newman College profile
Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Trevecca Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,300. Trevecca Nazarene University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,962 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Trevecca Nazarene University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Tennessee
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Cumberland University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, TN. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. Cumberland University Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,902 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,687 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cumberland University admits about 67% of applicants. More on Cumberland University
Freed Hardeman University landed the #27 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
Tusculum College placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Based in Greeneville, TN, Tusculum College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,250. Graduates carry a median of $25,278 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,367 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,278 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Tusculum College
Lipscomb University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,541 ten years after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lipscomb University report
Remington College Memphis Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Remington College Memphis Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,083. Graduates carry a median of $18,178 in student loans. Remington College Memphis Campus alumni report median earnings of $31,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,178 median debt. Read more about Remington College Memphis Campus
Southern Adventist University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,300. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,498. Median earnings reach $53,723 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Adventist University profile
Lee University landed the #32 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Set in Cleveland, TN, Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,790. Lee University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,422 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,222 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lee University
King College placed #33 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. Based in Bristol, TN, King College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,397. Graduates carry a median of $25,579 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,831 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,579 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about King College
Lincoln Memorial University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,938. Graduates carry a median of $20,693 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,956 ten years out. Set against $20,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. More on Lincoln Memorial University
Belmont University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Belmont University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,540. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $55,930 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full Belmont University profile
Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sewanee, TN, Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,091 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,911. Set against $22,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sewanee The University Of The South has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Sewanee The University Of The South
Christian Brothers University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,420. Christian Brothers University Science & Tech students take on a median of $32,416 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,478 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,416 median debt. Christian Brothers University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Christian Brothers University
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Vanderbilt University
Rhodes College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Memphis, TN, Rhodes College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,110. Rhodes College Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,078 in debt. Rhodes College alumni report median earnings of $66,651 a decade after entry. Set against $23,078 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rhodes College admits about 50% of applicants. See the full Rhodes College profile
Sweetwater Institute Of Cosmetology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Sweetwater Institute Of Cosmetology
Fisk University
Fisk University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Fisk University
North Central Institute ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on North Central Institute
Nashville Auto Diesel College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read the full report on Nashville Auto Diesel College
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Nashville landed the #44 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Get the full Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Nashville report
Richmont Graduate University landed the #45 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Get the full Richmont Graduate University report
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Jackson offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Jackson profile
Nossi College Of Art ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Nossi College Of Art
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Shelbyville came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Shelbyville
Meharry Medical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Get the full Meharry Medical College report
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Livingston placed #50 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Tennessee. See the full Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Livingston profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 40 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 143 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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