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A Complete Guide to Colleges in Nashville

📅 Jan 31, 2025  •  🕒 3 min read

Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and growing economy, offers diverse higher education opportunities. With colleges that range from prestigious private schools to affordable public institutions, students can find the right program to fit their goals. Here's your complete guide!


Key Highlights About Colleges in Nashville

  • Affordable Options: Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University offer some of the lowest tuition costs.
  • Prestigious Schools: Vanderbilt University, a top-ranked institution, provides rigorous academics and strong graduate outcomes.
  • HBCUs: Nashville is home to two Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Fisk University and Tennessee State University.
  • Cost of Living: Nashville's cost of living is 2% below the national average, making it a budget-friendly city for students.

Top 3 Popular Colleges in Nashville

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Tuition: $60,348/year
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Enrollment: 13,796
  • Highlights:

    • Considered a \"Southern Ivy\" with a 93% graduation rate.
    • Median graduate income: $80,000.
    • Offers Opportunity Vanderbilt, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.
    • Lush 7-acre campus featuring historic buildings and arboretums.
  • Belmont University

  • Tuition: $39,850/year
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Enrollment: 8,696
  • Highlights:

    • Known for top-tier music programs (management and recording arts).
    • 96% job placement within six months of graduation.
    • Strong emphasis on internships, with 46% of students earning course credit for internships.
  • Lipscomb University

  • Tuition: $37,152/year
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Enrollment: 4,778
  • Highlights:
    • A private Christian university emphasizing community service (60,000+ volunteer hours annually).
    • Popular majors: nursing, biology, psychology, and marketing.
    • 95% job placement rate for recent grads.

Complete List of Nashville Colleges and Universities

| School | Enrollment | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Applicants |
|-------------------------------------|---------------:|--------------:|--------------------:|---------------:|
| Vanderbilt University | 13,796 | $27,553 | 7% | 47,152 |
| Belmont University | 8,696 | $35,268 | 88% | 9,614 |
| Lipscomb University | 4,778 | $26,614 | 74% | 3,422 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | 21,568 | $12,617 | 68% | 11,244 |
| Tennessee State University (HBCU) | 8,077 | $11,880 | 100% | N/A |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | 3,717 | $15,795 | 78% | 1,565 |
| Fisk University (HBCU) | 942 | $25,582 | 61% | 4,281 |
| Welch College | 335 | $18,917 | 100% | N/A |

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)


Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Colleges

  • Do I qualify for in-state tuition in Nashville?
  • You (or your guardians) must be a Tennessee resident for at least one year. Some schools, like Tennessee State University, offer discounted tuition to students within a 250-mile radius.

  • What is the cheapest college in Nashville?

  • Tennessee State University: $11,880 average annual net price.
  • Middle Tennessee State University: $12,617.
  • Trevecca Nazarene University: $15,795.

  • What is the cost of living in Nashville?

  • Cost of living is 2% below the national average.
  • Median rent: $1,455/month.

  • What HBCUs are in Nashville?

  • Fisk University: A small, private HBCU with 942 students.
  • Tennessee State University: A mid-sized public HBCU with 8,077 students.

Why Nashville Is a Great Choice for Students

  • Affordable Education: Low-cost public institutions like Tennessee State University make earning a degree accessible.
  • Career Opportunities: Nashville's booming economy provides opportunities in music, healthcare, and tech industries.
  • Vibrant Culture: With live music, festivals, and active nightlife, Nashville offers a lively experience beyond academics.

Ready to find your perfect college programExplore Nashville's schools and take your next big step toward achieving your dreams!


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