Communications in Tennessee 2026

Best Colleges for Communications in Tennessee 2026

From journalism and public relations to digital media and corporate communications, Tennessee's programs prepare students for an evolving media landscape. Practical experience through campus media and internships is a hallmark of top programs.

We analyzed 30 colleges and universities in Tennessee offering Communications programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Communications Programs in Tennessee

Detailed School Profiles

1. Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
• In-State Tuition: $67,498 | Out-of-State: $67,498
• Enrollment: 7,208 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $53,400
• Average Financial Aid: $43,796

View full Vanderbilt University profile →

2. Visible Music College

Location: Memphis, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• In-State Tuition: $22,000 | Out-of-State: $22,000
• Enrollment: 79 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
• Graduation Rate: 23% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,900
• Average Financial Aid: $5,084

View full Visible Music College profile →

3. The University of Tennessee (UT)

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 41.6%
• In-State Tuition: $13,812 | Out-of-State: $33,256
• Enrollment: 30,418 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 74% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,900
• Average Financial Aid: $9,890

View full The University of Tennessee (UT) profile →

4. Bryan College

Location: Dayton, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• In-State Tuition: $19,800 | Out-of-State: $19,800
• Enrollment: 814 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,300
• Average Financial Aid: $20,311

View full Bryan College profile →

5. Lane College

Location: Jackson, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• In-State Tuition: $11,790 | Out-of-State: $11,790
• Enrollment: 736 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 18% | Median Earnings (6yr): $20,400
• Average Financial Aid: $8,331

View full Lane College profile →

6. Freed-Hardeman University (FHU)

Location: Henderson, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 59.7%
• In-State Tuition: $25,620 | Out-of-State: $25,620
• Enrollment: 1,212 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,800
• Average Financial Aid: $18,403

View full Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) profile →

7. Union University

Location: Jackson, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 60.4%
• In-State Tuition: $40,025 | Out-of-State: $40,025
• Enrollment: 1,607 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 66% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,500
• Average Financial Aid: $22,770

View full Union University profile →

8. Maryville College

Location: Maryville, Tennessee • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 60.9%
• In-State Tuition: $39,284 | Out-of-State: $39,284
• Enrollment: 1,005 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,000
• Average Financial Aid: $28,220

View full Maryville College profile →

9. Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)

Location: Harrogate, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.6%
• In-State Tuition: $26,938 | Out-of-State: $26,938
• Enrollment: 1,572 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,800
• Average Financial Aid: $20,279

View full Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) profile →

10. Southern Adventist University

Location: Collegedale, Tennessee • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 65.5%
• In-State Tuition: $27,300 | Out-of-State: $27,300
• Enrollment: 2,773 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $10,325

View full Southern Adventist University profile →

How to Choose the Right Communications Program in Tennessee

Selecting the best Communications program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Tennessee residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Communications.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Communications programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Communications in Tennessee?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Communications programs in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University, Visible Music College, and The University of Tennessee (UT).

How much does a Communications degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for Communications programs in Tennessee averages around $29,406 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Communications degree from a Tennessee school?
Graduates from Tennessee's Communications programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.