2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Tennessee
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Tennessee? We have ranked 143 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated 25 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Tennessee
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Milligan College, our #1 best-value Graduate Degrees school in Tennessee. Set in Milligan, TN, Milligan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,450 in tuition and fees. Milligan College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,150 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,641. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Milligan College
Cumberland University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Tennessee. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,840. Students borrow a median of $21,902 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,687. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cumberland University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #3 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Tennessee. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,324. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,324 median debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
You'll get strong value at Carson Newman College, which ranked #4 this year. Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit school based in Jefferson City, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,700. Carson Newman College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Carson Newman College
Freed Hardeman University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Tennessee. Located in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,479. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Freed Hardeman University profile
You'll get strong value at Tennessee Technological University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Tennessee Technological University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $17,580 in debt. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,754 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
The University Of Tennessee landed the #8 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,859. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,859 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
The University Of Tennessee Martin landed the #9 spot for value in Tennessee this year. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public school based in Martin, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. The University Of Tennessee Martin alumni report median earnings of $44,213 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full The University Of Tennessee Martin profile
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,398. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,605. Median earnings reach $53,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,605 median debt. Union University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full Union University report
Southern Adventist University placed #11 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Located in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,723 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Adventist University
Tusculum College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Greeneville, TN, Tusculum College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,250. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,278. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,367 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tusculum College has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Tusculum College report
Trevecca Nazarene University landed the #13 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,300. Graduates carry a median of $24,962 in student loans. Trevecca Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $49,378 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,962 median debt. Trevecca Nazarene University admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Trevecca Nazarene University
Tennessee State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,489. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Tennessee State University
University Of Memphis placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sewanee, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,120. Sewanee The University Of The South Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,091 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,911. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Sewanee The University Of The South
East Tennessee State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,859 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,301 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Tennessee State University
King College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Bristol, TN, King College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,397. Graduates carry a median of $25,579 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,831. Set against $25,579 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about King College
Lipscomb University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Lipscomb University alumni report median earnings of $55,541 a decade after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lipscomb University profile
Austin Peay State University placed #19 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Located in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,530. Median earnings reach $44,301 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Austin Peay State University
Christian Brothers University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Memphis, TN, Christian Brothers University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,420 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,416 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $57,478 ten years out. Set against $32,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Christian Brothers University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Christian Brothers University profile
Belmont University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Belmont University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,540. Graduates carry a median of $23,447 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,930 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Belmont University
Lee University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $23,790. Students borrow a median of $26,422 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,222. Set against $26,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lee University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Lee University report
Lincoln Memorial University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,938. Lincoln Memorial University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $20,693 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,956 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lincoln Memorial University
Vanderbilt University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $13,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Tennessee
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Pentecostal Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Read more about Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Studio 75 Hair Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. See the full Studio 75 Hair Academy profile
Love Beauty School Inc ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Love Beauty School Inc
Williamson Christian College landed the #29 spot for value in Tennessee this year. More on Williamson Christian College
Herzing University Nashville landed the #30 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Get the full Herzing University Nashville report
Walters State Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Walters State Community College
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Hohenwald landed the #32 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Read more about Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Hohenwald
Image Maker Beauty Institute placed #33 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Get the full Image Maker Beauty Institute report
Nashville State Community College placed #34 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Read more about Nashville State Community College
Richmont Graduate University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Get the full Richmont Graduate University report
Nashville Film Institute landed the #36 spot for value in Tennessee this year. See the full Nashville Film Institute profile
Northeast State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read more about Northeast State Community College
Free Will Baptist Bible College landed the #38 spot for value in Tennessee this year. More on Free Will Baptist Bible College
Queen City College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read the full report on Queen City College
Maryville College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. More on Maryville College
Nashville Auto Diesel College placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Read more about Nashville Auto Diesel College
Dyersburg State Community College placed #42 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Get the full Dyersburg State Community College report
Paul Mitchell The School Murfreesboro Nashville landed the #43 spot for value in Tennessee this year. More on Paul Mitchell The School Murfreesboro Nashville
Southern College Of Optometry placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Tennessee. Get the full Southern College Of Optometry report
Goulds Academy Bartlett came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Goulds Academy Bartlett
Masters Barber And Styling College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Masters Barber And Styling College
Paul Mitchell The School Memphis came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Paul Mitchell The School Memphis profile
Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville report
Columbia State Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. More on Columbia State Community College
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Crump came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Crump
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 25 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 143 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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