Nursing in Tennessee 2026

Best Colleges for Nursing in Tennessee 2026

With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Tennessee. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.

We analyzed 69 colleges and universities in Tennessee offering Nursing 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 Nursing 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. 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. 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 →

5. 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 →

6. 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 →

7. 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 →

8. 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 →

9. 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 →

10. Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU)

Location: Athens, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 68.9%
• In-State Tuition: $30,814 | Out-of-State: $30,814
• Enrollment: 846 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,400
• Average Financial Aid: $19,711

View full Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Tennessee

Selecting the best Nursing 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 Nursing.

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 Nursing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does a Nursing degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Tennessee averages around $31,913 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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