English in Tennessee 2026

Best Colleges for English in Tennessee 2026

English programs in Tennessee develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical writing skills valued across industries. Graduates pursue careers in publishing, content strategy, education, law, and corporate communications.

We analyzed 36 colleges and universities in Tennessee offering English 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 English 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. Fisk University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 37.4%
• In-State Tuition: $25,858 | Out-of-State: $25,858
• Enrollment: 1,035 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 30% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,400
• Average Financial Aid: $11,802

View full Fisk University 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. Rhodes College

Location: Memphis, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50.4%
• In-State Tuition: $57,110 | Out-of-State: $57,110
• Enrollment: 1,836 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,100
• Average Financial Aid: $31,293

View full Rhodes College profile →

7. Sewanee-The University of the South

Location: Sewanee, Tennessee • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 56.9%
• In-State Tuition: $56,120 | Out-of-State: $56,120
• Enrollment: 1,607 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 80% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,200
• Average Financial Aid: $26,355

View full Sewanee-The University of the South profile →

8. 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 →

9. Bethel University Tennessee

Location: Mckenzie, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 60.2%
• In-State Tuition: $18,712 | Out-of-State: $18,712
• Enrollment: 1,547 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 35% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $15,232

View full Bethel University Tennessee profile →

10. 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 →

How to Choose the Right English Program in Tennessee

Selecting the best English 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 English.

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 English programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does a English degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for English programs in Tennessee averages around $33,634 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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