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### Top Tennessee Colleges: Ranking the Best Higher Education Institutions

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Top-Ranked Universities in Tennessee

Selecting a college stands as a pivotal choice impacting various aspects of one’s educational journey, from future income potential and career opportunities to student loan obligations and social interactions.

While aspiring students aim for a top-tier education, numerous factors come into play: geographical location, campus size, student diversity, academic specializations, and international study programs, among others.

Despite popular rankings often spotlighting prestigious Ivy League institutions, the United States boasts over 4,000 accredited colleges across its states and territories, each offering exceptional educational experiences.

We have curated a roster of the finest four-year colleges in Tennessee based on [source]. Criteria such as tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratio, admission rates, and graduation statistics were pivotal in formulating these rankings. Additionally, the geographical setting significantly influences a university’s allure, whether situated by the beach, amidst New England’s vibrant foliage, or in proximity to tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Notably, online institutions and those with unspecified locations were excluded from this evaluation.

Continue reading to explore the premier educational institutions in your state.

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#10. University of Memphis

  • Located in: Memphis, TN
  • Admission rate: 95%
  • Average cost after aid: $14,251
  • SAT score range: 990-1200
  • Academic rating: B+

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#9. University of Tennessee at Martin

  • Located in: Martin, TN
  • Admission rate: 75%
  • Average cost after aid: $11,646
  • SAT score range: 1010-1170
  • Academic rating: B+

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#8. Tennessee Technological University

  • Located in: Cookeville, TN
  • Admission rate: 79%
  • Average cost after aid: $15,481
  • SAT score range: 1030-1270
  • Academic rating: B+

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#7. Milligan University

  • Located in: Milligan, TN
  • Admission rate: 60%
  • Average cost after aid: $20,448
  • SAT score range: 1080-1180
  • Academic rating: B+

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#6. Rhodes College

  • Located in: Memphis, TN
  • Admission rate: 57%
  • Average cost after aid: $30,525
  • SAT score range: 1330-1490
  • Academic rating: B+

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#5. Sewanee – The University of the South

  • Located in: Sewanee, TN
  • Admission rate: 60%
  • Average cost after aid: $29,626
  • SAT score range: 1200-1390
  • Academic rating: B+

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#4. University of Tennessee

  • Located in: Knoxville, TN
  • Admission rate: 75%
  • Average cost after aid: $21,512
  • SAT score range: 1170-1340
  • Academic rating: A-

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#3. Lipscomb University

  • Located in: Nashville, TN
  • Admission rate: 74%
  • Average cost after aid: $26,614
  • SAT score range: 1100-1270
  • Academic rating: A-

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#2. Union University

  • Located in: Jackson, TN
  • Admission rate: 53%
  • Average cost after aid: $27,660
  • SAT score range: 1120-1330
  • Academic rating: A-

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#1. Vanderbilt University

  • Located in: Nashville, TN
  • Admission rate: 7%
  • Average cost after aid: $27,553
  • SAT score range: 1480-1570
  • Academic rating: A+

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This article includes research and content by Emma Rubin, leveraging data automation techniques across all 50 states.