1. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, is a private research university known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and engineering. Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 14 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 13,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Average SAT Score: 1460-1570
Extracurricular activities at Vanderbilt University include student organizations, community service projects, research opportunities, cultural events, and athletics.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Al Gore – Former Vice President of the United States
- James Patterson – Author
- Fred Thompson – Former U.S. Senator and actor
- Dinah Shore – Singer and actress
- Amy Grant – Singer-songwriter
Top employers of Vanderbilt University graduates include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Deloitte, Amazon, Google, and Vanderbilt University itself.
2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a public research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law.
U.S. News Ranking: 112 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 30,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Average SAT Score: 1100-1300
Extracurricular activities at UT Knoxville include student organizations, volunteer opportunities, research projects, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Peyton Manning – Former NFL quarterback
- Howard H. Baker Jr. – Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Japan
- Cormac McCarthy – Author
- Pat Summitt – Former head coach of the Lady Volunteers basketball team
- James Agee – Author and screenwriter
Top employers of UT Knoxville graduates include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, Eastman Chemical Company, Pilot Flying J, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville itself.
3. Rhodes College
Rhodes College, located in Memphis, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Founded in 1848, Rhodes offers undergraduate degrees in various fields, emphasizing critical thinking and global citizenship.
U.S. News Ranking: 53 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Average SAT Score: 1280-1470
Extracurricular activities at Rhodes College include student organizations, community service projects, research opportunities, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Morgan Freeman – Actor
- Amy Coney Barrett – Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Fred Thompson – Former U.S. Senator and actor
- Eugene Patterson – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
- W. Wright Norton Jr. – Former CEO of Greyhound Lines
Top employers of Rhodes College graduates include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, International Paper, FedEx, ALSAC/St. Jude, and Rhodes College itself.
4. Belmont University
Belmont University, located in Nashville, is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in music, business, and healthcare. Founded in 1890, Belmont offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on experiential learning and community service.
U.S. News Ranking: 160 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 8,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Average SAT Score: 1070-1270
Extracurricular activities at Belmont University include student organizations, music ensembles, service-learning projects, internships, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Brad Paisley – Country music singer-songwriter
- Trisha Yearwood – Country music singer
- Sarah Drew – Actress (Grey’s Anatomy)
- Dave Barnes – Musician
- Lee Ann Womack – Country music singer
Top employers of Belmont University graduates include HCA Healthcare, Nissan North America, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Deloitte, and Belmont University itself.
5. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), located in Murfreesboro, is a public research university known for its strong programs in music, education, and aerospace. Founded in 1911, MTSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on hands-on learning and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 293 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: 980-1180
Extracurricular activities at MTSU include student organizations, research projects, community service programs, cultural events, and athletic teams.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Chris Young – Country music singer
- William Lee Golden – Member of The Oak Ridge Boys
- Alex Haley – Author (Roots: The Saga of an American Family)
- Pat Sajak – TV personality (Wheel of Fortune)
- Kenny Chesney – Country music singer-songwriter
Top employers of MTSU graduates include Nissan North America, Bridgestone Americas, State Farm Insurance, Ingram Content Group, and Middle Tennessee State University itself.
6. University of Memphis
The University of Memphis, located in Memphis, is a public research university known for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on research and innovation.
U.S. News Ranking: 258 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 21,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average SAT Score: 1030-1230
Extracurricular activities at the University of Memphis include student organizations, community service projects, research initiatives, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Penny Hardaway – Former NBA player and current basketball coach
- Justin Timberlake – Singer-songwriter and actor
- DeAngelo Williams – Former NFL running back
- Dixie Carter – Actress (Designing Women)
- Isaac Hayes – Musician and actor
Top employers of University of Memphis graduates include FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, International Paper, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and University of Memphis itself.
7. Austin Peay State University (APSU)
Austin Peay State University (APSU), located in Clarksville, is a public university known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. Founded in 1927, APSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on student success and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 68 (Regional Universities South)
Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: 980-1160
Extracurricular activities at APSU include student organizations, community service projects, research opportunities, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Lamar Alexander – Former Governor of Tennessee and U.S. Senator
- Delaney Walker – NFL tight end
- Burt Bacharach – Composer and songwriter
- John E. Begley – Former CEO of UPS
- Porter Wagoner – Country music singer
Top employers of Austin Peay State University graduates include Fort Campbell, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Trane Technologies, and Austin Peay State University itself.
8. East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
East Tennessee State University (ETSU), located in Johnson City, is a public university known for its strong programs in health sciences, education, and business. Founded in 1911, ETSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on research and community service.
U.S. News Ranking: 298 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 980-1160
Extracurricular activities at ETSU include student organizations, volunteer opportunities, research projects, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Kenny Chesney – Country music singer-songwriter
- Phil Roe – Former U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 1st congressional district
- David Mathis – Former MLB player
- Chris Lyle – Former NFL player
- Hannah Pilkes – Actress and comedian
Top employers of East Tennessee State University graduates include Ballad Health, Eastman Chemical Company, Mountain States Health Alliance, Johnson City School District, and East Tennessee State University itself.
9. Tennessee Technological University (TTU)
Tennessee Technological University (TTU), located in Cookeville, is a public university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and healthcare. Founded in 1915, TTU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on hands-on learning and innovation.
U.S. News Ranking: 221 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Average SAT Score: 1020-1240
Extracurricular activities at TTU include student organizations, research projects, community service programs, cultural events, and athletic teams.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Bill Boner – Former Mayor of Nashville
- Harry Stonecipher – Former CEO of Boeing
- Becky Duncan Massey – Former Tennessee State Senator
- Sharon Brown-Hruska – Economist and former Acting Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Angela Lewis – Actress
Top employers of Tennessee Technological University graduates include Cummins, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Authority, Eaton Corporation, and Tennessee Technological University itself.
10. University of Memphis
The University of Memphis, located in Memphis, is a public research university known for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on research and innovation.
U.S. News Ranking: 258 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 21,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average SAT Score: 1030-1230
Extracurricular activities at the University of Memphis include student organizations, community service projects, research initiatives, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Penny Hardaway – Former NBA player and current basketball coach
- Justin Timberlake – Singer-songwriter and actor
- DeAngelo Williams – Former NFL running back
- Dixie Carter – Actress (Designing Women)
- Isaac Hayes – Musician and actor
Top employers of University of Memphis graduates include FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, International Paper, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and University of Memphis itself.