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2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

30 Ranked Colleges
5,271 Degrees Awarded
$14,100 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2019-2020, 310,601 education students received their degree, making the major the 4th most popular in the country. In 2017-2018, education graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $43,887 and had an average of $30,244 in loans still to pay off.

Across Tennessee, there were 5,271 education graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 30 colleges that offered a degree in education. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality education programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the education program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Education Schools

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Education (Income $30-$48k) in Tennessee

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Out of the 30 schools in the Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #1 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 374 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt also made our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #1. It costs about $6,017 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Vanderbilt.

Since the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Education at Vanderbilt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. UT Chattanooga is a fairly large school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee that handed out 211 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Chattanooga not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend UT Chattanooga is $10,515 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Education Report

#3

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, Tennessee

Out of the 30 schools in the Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Tennessee Wesleyan University landed the #3 spot on the list. Athens, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s education degrees to 26 students in 2019-2020.

TWU also made our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #17. The yearly cost to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University is $11,867 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Education at TWU

#4

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Middle Tennessee State University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k. Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 361 ’s education degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Middle Tennessee State University, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $10,637 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Middle Tennessee State University.

Read more about Education at Middle Tennessee State University

#5

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Tennessee Technological University. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Tennessee Tech University is a fairly large public school situated in Cookeville, Tennessee. It awarded 355 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

Tennessee Tech University also made our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #2. The estimated yearly cost for Tennessee Technological University is $13,421 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 4.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Education at Tennessee Technological University

The University of Tennessee - Martin ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. The University of Tennessee - Martin is a medium-sized public school situated in Martin, Tennessee. It awarded 128 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Martin also made our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #20. The yearly cost to attend The University of Tennessee - Martin is $9,855 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Education at The University of Tennessee - Martin

#7

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee

With a ranking of #7, Christian Brothers University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 55 diplomas to qualified ’s education students in 2019-2020.

Christian Brothers also took the #18 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $12,165 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Christian Brothers.

Full Christian Brothers Education Report

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UT Knoxville is a large public school situated in Knoxville, Tennessee. It awarded 245 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k list, UT Knoxville has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UT Knoxville is $13,745 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low student loan default rate of 4.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read more about Education at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#9

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

University of Memphis landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Memphis, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s education degrees to 434 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k list, UofM has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $12,264 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UofM.

Full University of Memphis Education Report

#10

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

With a ranking of #10, East Tennessee State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. East Tennessee State University is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 247 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k list, ETSU has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend ETSU is $12,703 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full East Tennessee State University Education Report

#11

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee State University landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 118 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $11,711 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Tennessee State University.

Read more about Education at Tennessee State University

#12

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee

Lincoln Memorial University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Lincoln Memorial University is a small school located in Harrogate, Tennessee that handed out 306 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

LMU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend Lincoln Memorial University is $12,893 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Education at Lincoln Memorial University

#13

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee

With a ranking of #13, Freed-Hardeman University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Freed-Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Henderson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 105 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

FHU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The estimated yearly cost for FHU is $13,318 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Education at FHU

#14

Maryville College

Maryville, Tennessee
#8 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, Maryville College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in Maryville, Tennessee, and it awarded 21 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k list, Maryville College has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $16,041 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Maryville College.

Full Maryville College Education Report

#15

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee

Lee University landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 182 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Lee University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $15,543 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Lee University.

Read full report on Education at Lee University

#16

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. TNU is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 285 ’s education degrees to qualified students.

TNU also took the #10 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for TNU is $15,172 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Education at Trevecca Nazarene University

#17

Johnson University

Knoxville, Tennessee

With a ranking of #17, Johnson University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Johnson University is a small school located in Knoxville, Tennessee that handed out 55 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k list, Johnson University has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Johnson University is $16,404 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Since the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read full report on Education at Johnson University

#18

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee

With a ranking of #18, Austin Peay State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Austin Peay State University is a fairly large public school situated in Clarksville, Tennessee. It awarded 180 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Austin Peay State University is $12,298 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Education at Austin Peay State University

#19

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Carson - Newman University landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 300 degrees to qualified ’s education students in 2019-2020.

Carson - Newman also took the #16 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $14,044 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Carson - Newman University.

Full Carson - Newman Education Report

#20

Milligan University

Milligan College, Tennessee

With a ranking of #20, Milligan University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Milligan University is a small school located in Milligan College, Tennessee that handed out 42 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

Milligan did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #24 on our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend Milligan is $15,411 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The low student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Education at Milligan University

#21

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee

Bethel University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Bethel University is a small school located in McKenzie, Tennessee that handed out 35 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $13,225 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Bethel.

Read full report on Education at Bethel

#22

Tusculum University

Greeneville, Tennessee

Tusculum University landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Tusculum University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Greeneville, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 97 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Tusculum is $18,111 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Tusculum Education Report

#23

Welch College

Gallatin, Tennessee
#25 in overall quality

Welch College landed the #23 spot on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This small school is located in Gallatin, Tennessee, and it awarded 6 ’s education degrees in 2019-2020.

Welch also took the #25 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $17,912 for tennessee education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Welch College.

The student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Full Welch Education Report

#24

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee

Belmont University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s education degrees to 60 students in 2019-2020.

Belmont also took the #4 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $26,275 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Belmont.

The low student loan default rate of 3.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Belmont Education Report

#25

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee

With a ranking of #25, Lipscomb University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Education Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Lipscomb is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 355 ’s education degrees to qualified students.

Lipscomb also took the #3 spot in our “Best Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Lipscomb University is $20,503 for Tennessee Education students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Education at Lipscomb University

Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Horadrim.

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