Psychology in Tennessee 2026

Best Colleges for Psychology in Tennessee 2026

Psychology programs in Tennessee offer pathways to careers in clinical practice, counseling, research, and organizational behavior. The field's growth extends beyond traditional therapy into UX research, human factors, and behavioral health.

We analyzed 33 colleges and universities in Tennessee offering Psychology 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 Psychology 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. 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 →

6. 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 →

7. 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 →

8. 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 →

9. 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 →

10. 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 →

How to Choose the Right Psychology Program in Tennessee

Selecting the best Psychology 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 Psychology.

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 Psychology programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does a Psychology degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for Psychology programs in Tennessee averages around $36,383 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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