In recent years, online education has gained momentum as an accessible and flexible alternative to on-campus programs. Online colleges in Tennessee are no exception.
Online students can save money on commuting costs, on-campus housing, and meal plans. They can also keep working while pursuing their degrees, maintaining their income, and reducing the financial burden of a college education. The total cost of college in Tennessee at public and private institutions is also lower than the national average.
We've ranked the top online colleges in Tennessee for you to explore, as well as researched fast-growing jobs, potential career paths, and cost-saving opportunities. Let's dive deeper into what these schools have to offer.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Tennessee Online Colleges
#1 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Cromwell, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
An online degree from Holy Apostles College and Seminary helps professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. Online degree-seekers at the school receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. The school's programs combine core courses and elective options to prepare graduates for careers. Students complete degrees in many disciplines.
Distance learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Connecticut school. Students use the college’s generous transfer policy to finish bachelor’s degrees faster. Undergraduates pay $8,640 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Working professionals complete online master’s degrees in two years on average. Doctoral degrees can take more than four years to complete. Nontraditional learners pursuing graduate degrees pay $4,320 in-state tuition. To fund their degree, 50% of students at the school obtain financial aid and 23% take out loans.
Students can choose from multiple start terms. Virtual learners submit school transcripts for admission. Degree-seekers can use entrance scores to bolster their application. Holy Apostles College and Seminary has been accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 years
- Online
From its campus located in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak State College enrolls students in 29 total programs. Besides in-person programs, the public institution features online programs. Degree-seekers in online programs enjoy a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and flexible, accessible format. Working professionals and busy students benefit from top-ranking programs at the school, designed just for them.
Remote learners use an online classroom setting to communicate with teachers and peers during an online program. They learn foundational skills and knowledge for their future profession. General education requirements build in-demand skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. The online school's academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling all support distance learners. Enrollees receive an accredited degree.
Charter Oak State College Statistics:
Total Associate Degrees Available Online: 1
Online Bachelor's Programs Available: 10
Total Available Online Master's Programs: 1
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list has not been updated for 2024. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
The tuition price of a four-year public college education was lower during the 2022-2023 school year than it was before. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees were $9,800 vs. $10,300 in 2021-2022.
5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Tennessee
Computing jobs requiring a college degree include data scientists and information security analysts. Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show steady growth over the next decade for medical and health services managers.
Fast-Growing Jobs In Tennessee
| Job |
Projected Growth, 2022-2032 |
Annual Mean Wage in TN, May 2023 |
| Data Scientists |
35% |
$97,710 |
| Information Security Analysts |
32% |
$110,140 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
28% |
$124,190 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers |
25% |
$113,410 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
15% |
$149,200 |
Source: BLS
Majors to Consider for Tennessee's Job Market
Students can increase their chances of finding a rewarding career by choosing a major that aligns with the fastest-growing jobs. You can pick a major with a direct link to an in-demand job, such as data science. Or, you can major in a related field to open up more career doors.
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Data Science
Majoring in data science teaches you statistics, programming, and data analysis, which are necessary for data science careers. You'll gain practical experience and a solid understanding of the theory behind it.
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Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity major focuses on protecting digital systems from cyber threats. It covers topics like network security, cryptography, and risk management, which are key for information security analyst roles.
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Healthcare Administration
Health administration majors show you how to manage the field of healthcare. You'll learn about money, policies, leadership, and other skills needed for management-level roles, such as a medical and health services manager.
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Computer Science
Majoring in computer science teaches you how to program, create algorithms, and develop software. These versatile skills can be applied to various computing jobs, such as software developer or computer and information systems manager.
Cost of Living in Tennessee
The cost of living in Tennessee is another factor to consider when planning your investment in a college degree. While online students save on transportation and on-campus housing costs, they still need to account for everyday living expenses such as rent, groceries, and healthcare.
Average Cost of Living in Tennessee
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$12,221 |
| Food |
$4,279 |
| Transportation |
$10,349 |
| Medical Care |
$3,095 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for one adult without children
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in TN
Attending an online college in Tennessee — or anywhere, for that matter — can be a substantial financial investment. However, many scholarships and cost-saving opportunities are available. Combined, they can help make your education more affordable. The following are scholarships, grants, and potential cost savings to help with financial aid in Tennessee.
The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is awarded to entering full-time first-year students who enroll at an eligible postsecondary institution within 16 months of graduating from a Tennessee-eligible high school.
Scholarship Amount: $4,500
Students classified as independent on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can access the Tennessee Reconnect Grant. This grant will cover the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after applying other state and federal financial aid.
Scholarship Amount: "Last-Dollar" Scholarship
High school graduates with intellectual disabilities can use the Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship to enroll in a personalized program of study at an eligible postsecondary institution.
Scholarship Amount: $2,250-$2,850
The state lottery establishes and funds the Helping Heroes Grant, which awards U.S. veterans who've been honorably discharged or are former or current members of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit with the net proceeds.
Scholarship Amount: $500-$1,000
The Tennessee Promise Scholarship goes to residents who graduate from an eligible high school, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET certificate before their 19th birthday and enroll at an eligible postsecondary institution. The award covers tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Connecticut
Tennessee offers tuition reciprocity benefits through programs like the Academic Common Market (ACM) and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). ACM and SREB allow out-of-state students to attend participating Tennessee colleges at in-state or reduced rates for specific programs not available in their home states.
Residents of 15 other states can qualify for in-state tuition in Tennessee: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in TN
How much does online college cost?
The cost of online college varies. Factors such as your institution, the degree you're pursuing, and the amount of financial aid can affect the total cost.
The average total cost of an online bachelor's degree is about $23,023 a year, according NCES. An online master's degree costs about $22,763 a year. An online associate degree program costs about $12,104 a year.
How many colleges are in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to 55 four-year nonprofit colleges and universities, both public and private, along with 37 two-year colleges.
What colleges are in Tennessee?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Memphis, and Middle Tennessee State University are the largest public institutions in the state. Vanderbilt University is the state's largest private university. Other popular colleges in Tennessee include Austin Peay State University, Cumberland University, and the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
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