nursingadmissionscareersTennessee

Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 16, 2026

Tennessee offers 15 nursing programs from $4,498 at Nashville State CC to $63,946 at Vanderbilt, with graduates earning $48,977 to $147,996.

Overview of Nursing Education in Tennessee

Tennessee provides 15 nursing programs across 11 universities and 4 community colleges. The state features both elite programs (Vanderbilt) and extremely affordable community college options under $4,600/year. Nashville's booming healthcare industry — home to HCA Healthcare and dozens of hospital systems — makes Tennessee one of the best states for nursing employment.

Top University Nursing Programs

Vanderbilt University (Nashville) is the state's premier nursing school with a 6.3% acceptance rate and 92.7% graduation rate. First Professional Degree nursing graduates earn $112,193/year. Tuition is $63,946.

UT Chattanooga stands out with the highest nursing earnings in the state at $147,996/year for Master's graduates, at an affordable $10,144/year in-state tuition.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers Master's nursing programs at $13,484/year with graduates earning $90,345. At 46.0% acceptance, it's reasonably selective.

East Tennessee State University (Johnson City) provides doctoral nursing at just $9,950/year with graduates earning $101,627 — excellent value for advanced practice nursing.

Belmont University (Nashville) offers Master's programs at $41,320 with nursing earnings of $91,743 and a 96.4% acceptance rate.

Community College Nursing Programs

Tennessee community colleges are among the nation's most affordable:

Nashville State CC: $4,498/year, ADN graduates earn $55,900
Southwest Tennessee CC (Memphis): $4,550/year, $60,458 earnings
Chattanooga State CC: $4,550/year, $56,465 earnings
Pellissippi State CC (Knoxville): $4,576/year, $48,977 earnings

All under $4,600/year, and Tennessee's Reconnect program makes community college free for adults without a degree.

How to Choose

Elite path: Vanderbilt (6.3% acceptance, $112K earnings)
Best value: UT Chattanooga ($10,144 tuition, $148K earnings) or ETSU ($9,950 tuition, $101K earnings)
Most affordable: Nashville State or Southwest Tennessee CC (under $4,600/year)

Nursing Job Market in Tennessee

Nashville is the nation's healthcare capital. HCA Healthcare (headquartered in Nashville), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and dozens of other systems provide abundant nursing opportunities. Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga also have strong healthcare sectors.

Financial Aid

Tennessee Promise — free community college for recent high school graduates
Tennessee Reconnect — free community college for adults 23+
HOPE Scholarship — merit-based aid for Tennessee residents
Tennessee Student Assistance Award — need-based

Next Steps

Compare Tennessee nursing programs on GradeToGrad.