Engineering in Tennessee 2026
Discover the best Engineering programs in Tennessee for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Engineering in Tennessee 2026
Tennessee's engineering programs span mechanical, civil, electrical, and emerging fields like biomedical and environmental engineering. Graduates enter a job market where starting salaries consistently rank among the highest of any major.
We analyzed 45 colleges and universities in Tennessee offering Engineering 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 Engineering Programs in Tennessee
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 5.9% | $67,498 | 7:1 | Unranked |
| The University of Tennessee (UT) | 41.6% | $13,812 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) | 59.7% | $25,620 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Union University | 60.4% | $40,025 | 10:1 | Unranked |
| Maryville College | 60.9% | $39,284 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Southern Adventist University | 65.5% | $27,300 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Cumberland University (CU) | 67.3% | $27,840 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Lipscomb University | 67.7% | $40,572 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) | 69.1% | $10,266 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | 69.4% | $31,300 | 20:1 | Unranked |
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. 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 →
3. 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 →
4. 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 →
5. 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 →
6. 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 →
7. Cumberland University (CU)
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 67.3%
- In-State Tuition: $27,840 | Out-of-State: $27,840
- Enrollment: 2,104 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,600
- Average Financial Aid: $10,567
View full Cumberland University (CU) profile →
8. Lipscomb University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 67.7%
- In-State Tuition: $40,572 | Out-of-State: $40,572
- Enrollment: 2,997 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 72% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,900
- Average Financial Aid: $20,106
View full Lipscomb University profile →
9. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 69.1%
- In-State Tuition: $10,266 | Out-of-State: $31,574
- Enrollment: 16,301 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,200
- Average Financial Aid: $8,683
View full Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) profile →
10. Trevecca Nazarene University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 69.4%
- In-State Tuition: $31,300 | Out-of-State: $31,300
- Enrollment: 1,737 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,900
- Average Financial Aid: $17,396
View full Trevecca Nazarene University profile →
How to Choose the Right Engineering Program in Tennessee
Selecting the best Engineering 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 Engineering.
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 Engineering programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Engineering in Tennessee?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Engineering programs in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee (UT), and Freed-Hardeman University (FHU).
How much does a Engineering degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for Engineering programs in Tennessee averages around $32,351 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Engineering degree from a Tennessee school?
Graduates from Tennessee's Engineering programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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