Top Online Colleges and Best Value Schools (ROI) in Tennessee

Going tocollege is a privilege that not many can afford. The rising tuition fees,budget cuts, and even course shortages make it even more challenging. It can bedisheartening to many students who aspire to attain a higher education, whichoften means a bigger chance to build a stable career and reap greater success.

Fortunately,there is a growing trend that serves as a perfect alternative to traditionalclasses. Online education has grown popular in recent years. Its reputation hasdramatically improved, fueling its expansion. It is now widely believed thatonline learning is just as effective as classroom education.

One of the significantadvantages of online education is the flexibility and convenience itprovides. This means that students fromdifferent backgrounds, whether they are working professionals or recent highschool graduates, can manage their college education and personal responsibilitiesat the same time.

In Tennessee, state support for incoming first-year students is considerably high. Student grant and aid programs are rolled out every year. On top of that, most colleges and universities in Tennessee also offer distance learning programs. This helps a lot of students save on additional college expenses like room and board, transportation, and other fees entailed by attending on-campus classes.

The State of Tennessee is home to a wealth of online schools, but not all of them demonstrate the same commitment to academic excellence and advancement. To help you make your decision, the staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have compiled the 5 Top Online Schools in Tennessee. Each of the top-rated distance learning institutions on this list features:

• Rigorous coursework to develop and sharpen the skills of students and make the best professionals,

• A top-quality and technologically advanced virtual learning platform that offers students easy access to their coursework and technical support,

• Industry experts as faculty members,

• Accreditation from academic agencies and organizations that ensure academic superiority.

Get the details on our ranking process. Visit our Methodology Page.

University of Memphis

Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis started way back, accumulating more than 100 years of experience in educating students from all over the world. With its prominent faculty and researchers, the university has become a leader in over 250 fields of study, giving its students a wealth of academic choices.

There is a great emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. Being located in a city considered as a hub of international commerce, culture, and creativity, the University of Memphis provides endless paths for students to indulge in their passion and reach their dreams. This includes an opportunity to avail of their degrees without having to attend classes on campus.

The university brings learning to its students through the University of Memphis Global (UofM Global). Developed by the university's faculty, who are respected experts in their fields, the online courses provide flexibility and portability. This means students can access their classes and resources online. Most of the online offerings are entirely asynchronous, semester-based classes. Students can participate in class whenever they can and wherever they are.

Most courses and programs can be taken entirely online. Some of these degree programs include Bachelor's in Accounting, Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, Master's in History, Bachelor's in Public Health, and so much more.

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

• Above-average GPA (3.33)

• Official SAT/ACT scores

• Official high school transcripts

• Admission application plus $25 non-refundable fee

• Commission

  on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• AmericanChemical Society

• AccreditationBoard for Engineering and Technology and Computing Accreditation Commission(ABET and CAC)

• Commissionon Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

• AmericanPsychological Association

• NationalAssociation of School Psychologists

  Council for the Accreditation of EducatorProfessionals

• AmericanPsychological Association

• Councilon Social Work Education

• Associationto Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

• InternationalAccrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Art and Design

• Councilfor Interior Design Accreditation

• AccreditingCouncil on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

• NationalCouncil for Accreditation of Teacher Education

• AmericanSpeech-Language-Hearing Association

• Councilon Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education

East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, the East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. It provides a student-centered community of learning. There is a great emphasis on high standards while promoting a balance of liberal arts and professional preparation and continuous improvement. There is a wide array of educational and research programs as well. The university's mission is to prioritize education, aiming to increase the level of educational attainment in the state and region. The university has over 14,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

While theuniversity has dozens of programs and courses offered on campus, it has alsoextended its doors to students who cannot attend traditional classroom classesthrough its online program. Taught by award-winning faculty, the ESTU onlineprovides students with a quality education while giving them the flexibilitythey need. There are online courses that they can take online and 200% onlineprograms that are just as competitive as their on-campus counterparts.

The online programs are of the highest quality. It is also convenient because it lets students complete their coursework at a pace they set themselves, anytime and anywhere. Some of the most notable degree programs that are entirely available online are Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and so much more.

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee

• Minimum

  GPA of 2.3 or 19 ACT composite

• Passed16 required high school courses

• Completedadmission application

• Officialhigh school transcript

• Officialtest scores for the ACT or SAT

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

• Associationto Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International (AACSB)

• Commissionon Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association (CODA)

• Commissionon Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)

• Councilon Academic Accreditation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)

• EngineeringTechnology Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering andTechnology (ABET)

• AmericanChemical Society (ACS)

• AccreditationCouncil for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

• Councilon Academic Accreditation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA)

• ComputingAccreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology(ABET)

• Councilon Education for Public Health (CEPH)

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Music (NASM)

• AccreditationCommission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

• Commissionon Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

• AmericanPsychological Association (APA)

• Councilon Social Work Education (CSWE)

Austin Peay State University

Located in Tennessee's fifth-largest city, Austin Peay State University has set the standard of excellence in Tennessee and across the southeast. The degree concentrations vary, ranging from aviation science to nuclear medicine and everything in between. Students won't have a hard time choosing the degree that will best fit them.

Currently, the university offers 49 bachelor's degree programs and 19 master's degree programs. The class size average is 24. But while the on-campus offerings are numerous and excellent, there are also online courses and programs for students who need to obtain distance learning.

The online programs address mounting challenges to college education, such as family obligations, work commitments, and rising gas prices. Through Austin Peay State University's online programs, students can take part in a learning experience that works with their schedules. There are over 30 online degree programs offered currently. The online classes have an excellent student to faculty ratio at 18-1.

The undergraduate and graduate degrees offered are personalized and flexible. No matter where they are, students can complete the courses and programs at their own pace. The online courses have an interactive approach to education. Combined with a user-friendly online program, the university's online offerings are some of the best in the state of Tennessee. The online format is also very easy to learn, navigate, and manage. While there is a lot of flexibility, most of the online courses begin and end on specific dates and class works have assigned deadlines.

From Bachelor of Science in Sociology to Bachelor of Business Administration and many more, students can find the right career path to attain their dreams without a need to attend classes on campus.

Location: Clarksville, Tennessee

• Completion

  of all college prep courses, including U.S. History

• Highschool GPA of 2.85 or higher, ACT accumulative score of 20 or higher, GED scoreof 580 0r higher

• ACT/SATscores in Mathematics, Reading, and English

• Noremedial placement from ACT/SAT

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

• AmericanChemical Society (ACS)

• Councilfor Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

• NationalCouncil for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Music (NASM)

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• AccreditationCommission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The University of Tennessee Martin

Preparing students for the tight global job market, the University of Tennessee Martin provides top-quality educational programs in West Tennessee and beyond. It also runs the University of Tennessee's online programs for both undergraduate and graduate education.

At UT Martin Online, students get access to quality online education that will help them pursue their educational goals while managing their busy schedules. The online courses provide students with the same quality education as their on-campus counterparts. At present, the online program boasts six undergraduate degrees and nine graduate degrees that can be completed entirely online. Most of these courses follow the same academic calendar as other university courses. They also include the same course goals and taught by the same instructors.

The onlinecourse can be accessed using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). It isa web-based virtual learning environment that allows instructors to customizetheir courses and disseminate course materials. This platform also allowsstudents to submit their assignments, interact with their instructors andonline classmates, access multimedia materials and other resources, and so muchmore.

Notable coursesinclude Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy,and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, among many others.

Location: Martin, Tennessee

• Completed

  application for admission form and non-refundable application fee of $25

• Officialhigh school transcripts with a minimum of 3 years high school work included

• Standardizedexam results (ACT or SAT)

• Commission

  on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• AmericanChemical Society

• PlanningAccreditation Board

• AccreditationBoard for Engineering and Technology/Computing Accreditation CommissionABET/CAC

• Commissionon Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

• AmericanPsychological Association

• NationalAssociation of School Psychologists

• Councilfor the Accreditation of Educator Professionals

• AmericanPsychological Association

• Councilon Social Work Education

• Associationto Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International

• AccreditingCouncil on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

• NationalArchitectural Accreditation Board

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Art and Design

• Councilfor Interior Design Accreditation

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Music

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education

Union University

Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Union University is a private, Christian, co-educational liberal-arts based higher education institution. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university promotes excellence and character development in service to both church and society.

Currently,there are more than 100 programs of study. Some of these programs can be taken entirelyonline. The university's online programs allow students to advance theireducation and career from their home or other convenient location.

Ideal for people who wish to pursue higher education or advance their careers, online programs offer an excellent learning experience. Students have the opportunity to interact with their instructors and classmates. They are also taught by faculty that excel in teaching, mentoring, and research. Students can participate in discussions and complete their assignments at a time that is most convenient for them.

The fullyonline degrees include Associate in Science in Professional Studies, Bachelorof Science in Nursing. Master of Business Administration, and many others.

Location: Jackson, Tennessee

• Graduate

  of accredited high school with at least 20 units in core subjects

• Minimum18 ACT, 960 SAT or 61 CLT

• 2.0Core GPA

• AdmissionApplication with a non-refundable fee

• OfficialACT/SAT report

• OfficialHigh School Transcript

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• AccreditationCouncil for Pharmacy Education

• AccreditingBoard for Engineering and Technology, Engineering Accreditation Commission

• AmericanChemical Society

• Associationto Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

• Certificationin Education for Public Relations, Public Relations Society of America

• Commissionon Accreditation for Athletic Training Education

• Councilon Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education

• Councilon Social Work Education

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Art and Design

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Music

• NationalCouncil for Accreditation of Teacher Education

The State of Tennessee prides itself on having a policy dedicated to uplifting the quality of online education among its colleges and universities. This commitment to improving the online learning experience offered by Tennessee's educational institutions stands to benefit not only Tennessee residents but also students from all over the country, as virtually all online programs are available to aspiring students across all states, and sometimes even to those outside the country.

The flexibility of the pacing and start dates of online degrees also opens up opportunities to people with complicated schedules, disabilities, and limitations, or work and family commitments who nevertheless want to pursue an education. For those who prefer an educational experience that still involves working with peers and other face-to-face interaction to an extent, hybrid or blended types of programs that have occasional on-campus sessions can be an option. The online courses are delivered by the same on-campus teachers.

Beyond the convenience and reliability of the online degree programs in the state, students can enjoy affordability. On top of all that, the tuition rates for online colleges and universities are usually much lower than those of traditional ones.

Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Tennessee presents the best online education providers in the state that do not compromise academic excellence. Essentially, these cheap online colleges do not only demonstrate affordability but also deliver the best degree programs. These distance learning options also provide qualified students with financial aid opportunities.

Tennessee

Technological University

Tennessee Technological University, also colloquially referred to as Tennessee Tech, is an excellent choice for students looking to specialize in engineering and technology-related degrees both online and on campus. However, Tennessee Tech has not limited itself to these two fields; the University offers an extensive list of more than 40 bachelor's degrees under its Colleges of Agriculture and Human Ecology, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies and School of Nursing. Tennessee Tech also has graduate programs and doctoral programs for those interested in pursuing further education.

Tennessee Techalso provides quality online education via TN eCampus, an online catalog, and adatabase of all online programs and courses available in Tennessee. A Bachelorof Professional Studies program with a variety of concentrations (e.g., HealthAdministration, Information Technology) and a Bachelor of Science inInterdisciplinary program can be taken online, in addition to master's degreeprograms. Its online Master of Business Administration program has beenrecognized as one of the best and most affordable options in both the state andthe country.

In-statetuition for undergraduate online courses is $319 per credit hour plus an onlinecourse fee of $128, while out-of-state tuition is $661. However, out-of-statestudents who take only online courses in one semester can avail of a discounted$160 rate, subject to the University's assessment. On average, one year atTennessee Tech costs around $6,160, one of, if not the, lowest figures in thestate.

Location: Cookeville, Tennessee

AdmissionRequirements:

• 2.50

  high school GPA and completion of US History and Algebra II or equivalent witha passing grade in high school

• AnACCUPLACER exam score of at least 28

• 162 onGED/13+ on the HiSET

Accreditations:

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

King

University

King University, which is situated in Bristol, Tennessee, is a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian academic community dedicated to the integration of rigorous educational programming and the exploration of faith. Establishing students in a robust liberal arts foundation, the university offers specialization in a range of contemporary undergraduate degrees including nursing, security and intelligence studies, digital media and design, and other traditional majors.

While the university has traditionally offered classes on campus, recent years have seen the inclusion of online degree programs and courses. The flexible courses are available year-round. With online programs, students have the opportunity to earn the credentials they need to advance their careers, all without sacrificing their other commitments. King's online programs guarantee academic excellence through courses delivered in a flexible and convenient format.

The universitytries to make online programs as affordable as possible. The cost per semesterhour is around $305. Each year, they also award more than $19 million infinancial aid to the majority of students.

Location: Bristol, Tennessee

• Application for

  admission

• Official high schooltranscript/Official results from GED

• Scores from SAT/ACT

Accreditations:

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education

• Councilon Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation

Middle

Tennessee State University

Making its home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University has 140 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.

The universityoffers the lowest cost of attendance among Tennessee's three majorcomprehensive universities. It also provides guaranteed academic scholarshipsto eligible students.

Apart from itson-campus offerings, the Middle Tennessee State University also offers onlineand hybrid programs. MTSU online is recognized nationally, acknowledged as anAdult Learning Focused Institution of Higher Education. The online programsmake it easier for students to pursue their higher education while taking careof their responsibilities. Just like the on-campus courses, online offeringsare also taught by the same experienced faculty.

Fully onlinecourses include Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Bachelor of Science inCriminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology, among many others.

The average tuition for students per year is around $6,840, 3% cheaper than the national average public four-year tuition. With online programs, it also means that students can significantly save from additional costs that traditional colleges entail, including housing and transportation.

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

AdmissionRequirements:

• 3.0 GPA/Minimum composite ACT score of 22

• Completed application for admission and $25 nonrefundable application fee

• Official ACT or SAT scores

• Official transcripts

Accreditations:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

  Commission on Colleges

Lee

University

Lee University had its humble beginnings in 1918 as the Church of God Bible Training School. Its consistent growth and expansion in the years that followed led to its renaming as Lee College and, later on, Lee University. It presents a wide variety of majors and concentrations under its six schools and colleges, from business to nursing and even music.

Lee University has also established a Division of Adult Learning explicitly created for working professionals that offers bachelor's and master's degrees. One credit hour starts at $378, and the annual tuition is roughly $13,680. Some exclusive discounts are also available, such as an undergraduate ministry discount for students taking ministerial degrees like Christian Studies or Ministry Leadership that can cut down rates to $252 per credit hour, and a military and first responders discount rate of $250 per credit hour.

Students can choose from bachelor's degree programs like Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Studies, in addition to Lee's Christian-based options like Bible & Theology. Four graduate programs, including a Master's in Business Administration, are also available.

Location: Cleveland, Tennessee

• Graduation from an approved high school or satisfactorily completed the GED test,

• Official high school transcript (or GED)

• Official copies of ACT or SAT scores

Accreditations:

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

• NationalAssociation of Schools of Music, National Council for Accreditation of TeacherEducation (NCATE)

• AccreditationCouncil for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

• Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Commissionon Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Johnson

University

Another best value Christian university that offers online degrees is Johnson University, which started way back in 1893 as the School of Evangelists for aspiring ministers and underserved Christians. It is now considered one of the oldest Bible colleges in operation in the United States and has gone beyond merely providing Christian-centered education.

Over 70 diverse programs starting from associate's degrees to doctoral degrees are available at Johnson. They are offered in its eight schools, namely the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Bible & Theology, the School of Business & Public Leadership, the School of Communication & Creative Arts, the School of Congregational Ministry, the Templar School of Education, the School of Intercultural Studies, and the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences.

Sixundergraduate degrees are available entirely online at Johnson University:Applied Linguistics, Ministry Leadership, Business Administration, NonprofitAdministration, Intercultural Studies, and Pastoral Care and Counseling. Manyother options are offered under Johnson's certificate programs, associatedegrees, master's degrees, and Ph.D. degrees.

The Universityplaces its annual tuition for online bachelor's programs to be at $15,660 for astudent taking 12 to 15.5 credit hours every semester. Its commitment toaffordable education and easy access to financial aid and support has alsotranslated into low levels of education-related debt among its graduates.

Location: Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee

AdmissionRequirements:

• Signed

  Commitment to the Johnson Lifestyle with Personal Statement of Faith,

• References

• Officialtranscripts from previously attended academic institutions

• GEDscores

• ACT/SAT/CLTscores (no minimum score indicated)

Accreditations:

• Southern

  Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

• Associationfor Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)