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2022 Best Value Colleges for Elementary Education (Income $30-$48k) in Tennessee

22 Ranked Colleges
480 Degrees Awarded
$15,800 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking.

Elementary Education is the 19th most popular major in the country with 40,622 degrees awarded in 2019-2020.

Across Tennessee, there were 480 elementary education graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 22 colleges that offer a degree in elementary education. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality elementary education programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the elementary education program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

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

The colleges and universities below are the best for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 22 Best Value Colleges for Elementary Education (Income $30-$48k) in Tennessee

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Elementary Teaching 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. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s elementary teaching degrees to 31 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Vanderbilt, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Vanderbilt University is $6,017 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Elementary Education at Vanderbilt

#2

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Middle Tennessee State University landed the #2 spot on the list. Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s elementary teaching degrees to 39 students in 2019-2020.

Middle Tennessee State University also made our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #4. The yearly cost to attend Middle Tennessee State University is $10,637 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Middle Tennessee State University

#3

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. TWU is located in Athens, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 ’s elementary teaching degrees to qualified students.

TWU also took the #13 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $11,867 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Read more about Elementary Education at TWU

#4

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Tennessee Technological University landed the #4 spot on the list. Tennessee Technological University is a fairly large public school situated in Cookeville, Tennessee. It awarded 125 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k list, Tennessee Tech University has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Tennessee Technological University is $13,421 for tennessee elementary teaching 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 more about Elementary Education at Tennessee Tech University

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k. UT Chattanooga is a public institution located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 5 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UT Chattanooga, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UT Chattanooga is $10,515 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full UT Chattanooga Elementary Education Report

#6

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, Tennessee

With a ranking of #6, Christian Brothers University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Christian Brothers University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It awarded 2 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

Christian Brothers also took the #15 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Christian Brothers University is $12,165 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Elementary Education at Christian Brothers University

#7

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

East Tennessee State University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. ETSU is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 7 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

ETSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $12,703 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend ETSU.

Read more about Elementary Education at East Tennessee State University

#8

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee

Freed-Hardeman University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #8. Henderson, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s elementary teaching degrees to 29 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at FHU, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Freed-Hardeman University is $13,318 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Freed-Hardeman University Elementary Education Report

#9

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, Tennessee

Lincoln Memorial University landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Harrogate, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 13 degrees to qualified ’s elementary teaching students in 2019-2020.

LMU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The estimated yearly cost for Lincoln Memorial University is $12,893 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Elementary Education at Lincoln Memorial University

#10

Lee University

Cleveland, Tennessee

Lee University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 46 degrees to qualified ’s elementary teaching students in 2019-2020.

Lee University also took the #10 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lee University is $15,543 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Lee University Elementary Education Report

#11

Johnson University

Knoxville, Tennessee

Johnson University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #11. This small school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it awarded 19 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k list, Johnson University has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Johnson University is $16,404 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about Elementary Education at Johnson University

#12

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Trevecca Nazarene University is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 19 ’s elementary teaching degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k list, TNU has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $15,172 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend TNU.

Read full report on Elementary Education at TNU

#13

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Carson - Newman University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #13. Carson - Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 11 ’s elementary teaching degrees to qualified students.

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

Read more about Elementary Education at Carson - Newman

#14

Tennessee State University

Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. This medium-sized school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 3 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

Tennessee State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list. It costs about $11,711 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Tennessee State University.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Tennessee State University

#15

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee

Southern Adventist University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Southern Adventist is a small school located in Collegedale, Tennessee that handed out 18 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Southern Adventist, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $19,618 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Southern Adventist.

Read more about Elementary Education at Southern Adventist University

#16

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee

Belmont University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1 degrees to qualified ’s elementary teaching students in 2019-2020.

Belmont not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend Belmont University is $26,275 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Belmont University

#17

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee

Bethel University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in McKenzie, Tennessee, and it awarded 5 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

Bethel also took the #20 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Bethel University is $13,225 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Bethel University

#18

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lipscomb University is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 25 ’s elementary teaching degrees to qualified students.

Lipscomb also took the #3 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. It costs about $20,503 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Lipscomb.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Lipscomb

#19

South College

Knoxville, Tennessee

South College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it awarded 9 ’s elementary teaching degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at South College, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for South College is $19,245 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full South College Elementary Education Report

#20

King University

Bristol, Tennessee

King University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #20. Located in Bristol, Tennessee, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 23 diplomas to qualified ’s elementary teaching students in 2019-2020.

King not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list. The yearly cost to attend King University is $20,648 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Elementary Education at King University

#21

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee

Union University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Union University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Jackson, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 10 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Union also took the #8 spot in our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Union is $27,004 for Tennessee Elementary Teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 10 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 4.1% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Union Elementary Education Report

#22

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee

Cumberland University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Elementary Teaching Schools in Tennessee For Those Making $30-$48k list. Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

CU also made our “Best Elementary Education Schools in Tennessee” list, coming in at #18. The estimated yearly cost for CU is $23,701 for tennessee elementary teaching students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Elementary Education at Cumberland 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 Vgrigas.

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