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Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee

37 Schools Ranked
$39,202 Average Earnings
$23,028 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. As online education opportunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 37 schools in Tennessee to see which online programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
4,820 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$28,159 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Memphis the most popular school in Tennessee for students working on their degree. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the large public school handed out 4,820 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,159 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $147 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UofM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,884 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Volunteer State Community College

Gallatin, Tennessee
1,652 Total Awards
$35,641 Average Earnings
$15,295 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Volunteer State Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Tennessee. Volunteer State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Gallatin, Tennessee that handed out 1,652 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from VSCC accumulate an average of $15,295 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, VSCC graduates make an average of $35,641 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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#3

South College

Knoxville, Tennessee
1,874 Total Awards
$53,323 Average Earnings
$28,716 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend South College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee list. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,874 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,716 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $320 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, South College graduates make an average of $53,323 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

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#4

Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland, Tennessee
1,127 Total Awards
$32,755 Average Earnings
$14,700 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Cleveland State Community College is a great place for students. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the small public school awarded 1,127 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,700 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Cleveland State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,755 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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7,694 Total Awards
$44,189 Average Earnings
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee list. This large public school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it awarded 7,694 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UT Knoxville accumulate an average of $22,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $325, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Knoxville, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,189 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#6

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee
792 Total Awards
$57,444 Average Earnings
$33,108 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Bethel University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Bethel is located in McKenzie, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 792 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Bethel accumulate an average of $33,108 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Bethel, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,444 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#7

Strayer University - Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee
380 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$38,671 Avg Student Debt

Strayer University - Tennessee came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. Strayer University - Tennessee is a small private for-profit school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 380 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Strayer University - Tennessee accumulate an average of $38,671 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $121 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Strayer University - Tennessee graduates make an average of $52,529 annually. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
1,323 Total Awards
$46,373 Average Earnings
$26,746 Avg Student Debt

Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee list. TNU is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 1,323 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,746 in student loans.After graduating from TNU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,373 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

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#9

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee
2,421 Total Awards
$40,563 Average Earnings
$19,943 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee Technological University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. Tennessee Technological University is a medium-sized public school located in Cookeville, Tennessee that handed out 2,421 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,943 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $103 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Tennessee Tech University graduates make an average of $40,563 annually. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,297 Total Awards
$35,647 Average Earnings
$24,559 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Martin came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Martin, Tennessee, and it awarded 1,297 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,559 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $149 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Martin, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,647 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full The University of Tennessee - Martin Report

#11

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee
3,445 Total Awards
$36,908 Average Earnings
$27,168 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Austin Peay State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,445 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Austin Peay State University accumulate an average of $27,168 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Austin Peay State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,908 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Austin Peay State University Report

#12

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
1,008 Total Awards
$57,821 Average Earnings
$32,879 Avg Student Debt

Union University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,008 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,879 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $477, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Union graduates make an average of $57,821 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Full Union University Report

#13

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
1,499 Total Awards
$47,759 Average Earnings
$26,213 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Lipscomb University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 1,499 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,213 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $216 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Lipscomb graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,759 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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#14

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
750 Total Awards
$41,134 Average Earnings
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

Carson - Newman University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. Carson - Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 750 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,992 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Carson - Newman, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,134 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Walters State Community College

Morristown, Tennessee
1,319 Total Awards
$34,080 Average Earnings
$11,896 Avg Student Debt

Walters State Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. Walters State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Morristown, Tennessee that handed out 1,319 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WSCC accumulate an average of $11,896 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WSCC graduates make an average of $34,080 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, Tennessee
1,484 Total Awards
$32,219 Average Earnings
$16,563 Avg Student Debt

Chattanooga State Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee list. This medium-sized public school is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it awarded 1,484 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Chattanooga State Community College accumulate an average of $16,563 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Chattanooga State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,219 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Chattanooga State Community College

#17

King University

Bristol, Tennessee
749 Total Awards
$40,581 Average Earnings
$29,018 Avg Student Debt

King University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. Bristol, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 749 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,018 in student loans.After graduating from King, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,581 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full King University Report

#18

Pentecostal Theological Seminary

Cleveland, Tennessee
83 Total Awards

Pentecostal Theological Seminary landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 83 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

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486 Total Awards
$65,765 Average Earnings
$19,615 Avg Student Debt

Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the very small private for-profit school awarded 486 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting accumulate an average of $19,615 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting graduates make an average of $65,765 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Read full report on Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting

#20

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee
1,685 Total Awards
$53,647 Average Earnings
$23,978 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Lincoln Memorial University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. LMU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Harrogate, Tennessee. It awarded 1,685 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,978 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $97 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from LMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,647 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee
1,044 Total Awards
$32,791 Average Earnings
$26,373 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Lee University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Lee University is located in Cleveland, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,044 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $26,373 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $260.After graduating from Lee University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,791 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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384 Total Awards
$25,564 Average Earnings
$15,222 Avg Student Debt

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Tennessee list. This very small public school is located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and it awarded 384 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,222 in student loans. During the early years of their career, TCAT - Elizabethton graduates make an average of $25,564 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton Report

26 Total Awards

Huntington University of Health Sciences did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the very small private for-profit school handed out 26 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

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1,477 Total Awards
$70,558 Average Earnings
$26,526 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. UTHSC is located in Memphis, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,477 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,526 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UTHSC graduates make an average of $70,558 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center

#25

Miller-Motte College Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee
146 Total Awards
$23,672 Average Earnings
$23,403 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Miller-Motte College Chattanooga did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Miller-Motte College Chattanooga is a small private for-profit school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee that handed out 146 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,403 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $57. During the early years of their career, MMC Chattanooga graduates make an average of $23,672 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Full Miller-Motte College Chattanooga Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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