Nashville, Tennessee Colleges: Costs & Earnings (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

Colleges in Nashville, Tennessee: median public in-state tuition $17,048 (+209.3% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $47,416 (-12.8% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 88.0% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $18,668 (+40.7% vs U.S.) 39,095 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 25 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 39,095 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $17,048 (+209.3% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $47,416 (-12.8% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 88.0% (0.0 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $22,290 (+123.6% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $18,668 (+40.7% vs U.S. $13,271); regional median $14,456
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 41.8%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 85.3%

Download the data

Download JSON

Full profile payload including top-college lists and peer comparisons.

Overview

Colleges and universities in Nashville serve students across Tennessee with associate, bachelor's, and graduate pathways. 25 reporting campuses in this city profile, with about 39,095 students enrolled in federal data, and median in-state tuition near $17,048. Tables below compare costs, completion, earnings, and standout institutions against Nashville, Tennessee and U.S. medians from the College Scorecard.

Nashville vs Tennessee & national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
Nashville, Tennessee$17,048$22,290$18,66841.8%39,095
Tennessee (state median)$4,998$7,802$15,78450.0%245,221
United States$5,512$9,969$13,27150.3%14,468,221

Earnings & employment outcomes: Nashville, Tennessee vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
Nashville, Tennessee$47,41688.0%85.3%5.2%—65.6%0.49
Tennessee (state median)$48,48090.5%74.9%6.3%—71.2%0.45
United States$54,38488.0%76.4%5.0%—73.7%0.41

Other cities in Tennessee (3+ campuses)

Other cities in the same state with at least three reporting campuses.

Peer comparison table
City In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
Nashville, Tennessee$17,048$22,290$18,66841.8%39,095$47,41688.0%
Knoxville$16,174$18,976$18,66856.8%47,906$50,42289.4%
Memphis$13,796$14,315$12,88650.9%25,565$61,89890.0%
Chattanooga$10,448$14,265$13,16850.2%20,266$51,15191.9%
Murfreesboro$10,266$13,359$13,95853.7%17,211$48,54189.5%
Johnson City$10,472$15,983$9,50053.2%10,191$44,85988.7%
Cookeville$13,248$16,597$13,00057.7%9,352$48,50192.0%
Clarksville$9,006$9,989$20,54740.2%7,722$44,30185.7%
Gallatin$13,078$16,532$13,52553.4%5,565$42,19891.3%
United States$5,512$9,969$13,27150.3%14,468,221$54,38488.0%

Outcomes by sector in Nashville, Tennessee

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private nonprofit5$55,54188.0%83.6%3.4%—79.0%

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 93.5%, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 72.2%, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 70.7%, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 53.1%, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 34.0%, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 29.9%, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 0.0%, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 91.0%, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 90.6%, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 90.0%, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 88.0%, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 87.9%, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 85.7%, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 81.1%, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

Top 6 most selective colleges in Nashville, Tennessee (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 5.9%, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 37.4%, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 67.7%, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 69.4%, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 70.1%, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 95.3%, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $122,244, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $81,061, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $69,533, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $67,725, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $67,072, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $65,331, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $38,089, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $160,021, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $124,270, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $105,703, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $93,990, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $92,380, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $63,733, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $62,259, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $73,909, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $50,454, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $46,065, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $42,770, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $36,582, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $34,160, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $33,604, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $84,542, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $53,623, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $50,319, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $48,367, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $39,391, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $37,064, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $32,162, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $91,565, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $55,930, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $55,541, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $49,378, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $45,454, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $42,730, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $40,092, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

Top 8 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $338,065, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $155,834, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $142,544, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $130,914, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $115,137, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $82,953, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $33,284, Nossi College of Art and Design

    Nossi College of Art and Design

    Private for-profit · 247 enrolled · Nashville

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $22,811, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 most affordable colleges in Nashville, Tennessee (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $11,645, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $15,796, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $15,846, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $16,813, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $24,739, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $32,020, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $33,147, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

Top 7 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 100.0%, Strayer University-Tennessee

    Strayer University-Tennessee

    Private for-profit · 1,784 enrolled · Nashville

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 96.3%, Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University

    Private nonprofit · 7,208 enrolled · Nashville

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 86.9%, Belmont University

    Belmont University

    Private nonprofit · 7,137 enrolled · Nashville

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 83.6%, Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University

    Private nonprofit · 2,997 enrolled · Nashville

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 73.8%, Fisk University

    Fisk University

    Private nonprofit · 1,035 enrolled · Nashville

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 73.6%, Trevecca Nazarene University

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Private nonprofit · 1,737 enrolled · Nashville

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 33.5%, Tennessee State University

    Tennessee State University

    Public · 4,848 enrolled · Nashville

In-state tuition: Nashville, Tennessee vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Nashville, Tennessee median in-state tuition is $17,048, +209.3% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Nashville, Tennessee vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Nashville, Tennessee is $18,668 (+40.7% vs U.S. median $13,271). Regional median: $14,456.

Median earnings (10 years out): Nashville, Tennessee vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Nashville, Tennessee center around $47,416 (-12.8% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: Nashville, Tennessee vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 88.0% at the median Nashville, Tennessee campus (0.0 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

Nashville, Tennessee median public in-state tuition is $17,048, about +209.3% vs the national median. Versus the Southeast region, tuition is +241.5%.

Median graduate debt is $18,668 (+40.7% above the U.S. median of $13,271). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Nashville, Tennessee are $47,416, about -12.8% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,384).

The median campus reports 88.0% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 88.0% (0.0 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 85.3% vs a U.S. median of 76.4%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 5.2% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 65.6% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Trevecca Nazarene University (91.0%), Fisk University (90.6%), Tennessee State University (90.0%), Lipscomb University (88.0%), Belmont University (87.9%), Vanderbilt University (85.7%), Strayer University-Tennessee (81.1%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within Nashville, Tennessee, sector medians diverge: Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $55,541 (5 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Nashville, Tennessee is 41.8% (national institution average about 50.3%).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Nashville?

This city profile covers 25 campuses in Nashville, Tennessee with College Scorecard cost or outcomes data.

How much does college cost in Nashville?

Median in-state tuition in Nashville is $17,048 and median net price is $22,290. For Tennessee overall, medians are $4,998 and $7,802; U.S. medians are $5,512 and $9,969.

What do graduates earn in Nashville?

Median 10-year earnings for campuses in Nashville is $47,416 vs $48,480 for Tennessee and $54,384 nationally.

What is student debt like for Nashville colleges?

Median completer debt in Nashville is $18,668 vs $15,784 for Tennessee and $13,271 nationally.

What are the best colleges in Nashville?

Top campuses on this page include Vanderbilt University (graduation) and Vanderbilt University (10-yr earnings). See Top 10 lists for admission, affordability, and employment metrics.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in Nashville?

Among 25 campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, 4 historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs, IPEDS HBCU flag), including American Baptist College, Fisk University, and Meharry Medical College; 5 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Baptist (1), Interdenominational (1), Churches of Christ (1).

Sources & related