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Net Price of Tennessee Colleges by Income

Cost of Tennessee Colleges Zoom In

Source: National Center for Educational Statistics. This is the most recent data available as of January 2023

Questions & Answers

What do all these numbers mean?

All costs shown here are the average net cost paid by families in each income bracket for one year at the college in question. Net cost is the total cost of attendance for one year, minus government grants and institutional scholarships. Figures are based on data from the 2020-21 school year, which is the latest available as of January 2023.

What is “Total Cost” on the chart?

Total cost is the total cost of attendance for one year at that particular college. It includes:

  • Tuition and fees (in-state tuition for public schools)
  • Room and board (on campus)
  • Books and supplies
  • Other expenses (travel and personal)

There are detailed chart below for each school that shows these expenses. Click here to go to the individual cost breakdown for schools.

How can I use this information?

This information is useful for building a realistic college budget. It's a good place to start until you better understand your specific circumstances. For example, let's say your income is $100,000 per year. This chart shows that the average state school would run $18,422 and the average private school would be $22,128. You can also get information on specific Tennessee schools in the chart above or the tables below.

Will my family pay the amount on this chart?

Probably not. The numbers are averages. You may be below average or above average. However, there are two key points we can learn from this data:

  1. Families with higher incomes ($75,000-$110,000 and $110,000+) will most likely pay close to full price at the public schools.
  2. Private colleges have a higher list price but offer more discounts. This brings their net price much closer to the cost of state-funded schools.

Where did this information come from?

As part of federal financial aid, colleges are required to provide detailed cost information to the U.S. government. This data is made available to the public through the National Center for Education Statistics. For more details, click here.

What about athletes, merit aid or minority students?

Athletes, high achieving students, and those with minority status are averaged in with everyone else. Within each income bracket, there are families that pay more than average and families that pay less than average.

The costs on this chart seem large. How can families afford to pay it?

For many families paying for college is not easy, but in the end they figure out. Most families will pay their net cost of college with some combination of:

  • College savings and investments
  • Payments from current income
  • Loans
  • Outside scholarships (check out the Scholarship Guide For Busy Parents to learn how your student can win scholarships)
  • Tax planning
  • Student work
Cost of Tennessee Schools Explanation

Net Price:

Net prices is the total cost of attendance for one year, minus the average amount in government grants and institutional scholarships the school awards. This is an average, so you may pay above the average or below the average. Your exact net price is likely to be different and sometimes drastically different.

Most families will pay the net price with some combination of savings and investments, current income and various loans. Some students will also receive scholarships from sources other than the federal or state government or the college. Any scholarships and grants from these outside sources are not included in the data. However, government grants and institutional scholarships are included in the averages.

Total Cost at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2020-21)
Tuition and Fees $13,264
Room and Board $11,856
Books $1,598
Other Expenses $5,780
Total $32,498

Total Cost:

Total cost is the total cost of attendance for that particular institution for the 2020-21 school year. This is the latest data available as of January 2023. Total costs include:

  • Tuition and fees (in-state tuition for public schools)
  • Room and board (on campus)
  • Books and supplies
  • Other expenses (travel and personal)

College Total Cost
Family Income TN Public $25,679 TN Private $46,111
$0 - $30k $10,241 $15,565
$30,001 – $48k $11,800 $16,885
$48,001 – $75k $15,961 $18,984
$75,001 – $110k $18,422 $22,128
$110,001+ $18,830 $26,107

Public vs. Private Averages

This table shows the average total cost of attendance for the Tennessee public and private colleges we have included in our analysis. The costs include a breakdown of the average net price paid by family income. Notice that the average private college is $4,000-$8,000 more than the average public school, depending on your income bracket. It is important to stress that these are averages. Most families will not be average, and their individual circumstances could be drastically different. I encourage all families to work with their preferred colleges to get information specific to their family.

Below are similar charts for each individual private and public college in Tennessee. Click a school to view its complete chart.

Public TN Schools Cost Breakdown

  • Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $8,303 $8,431
    Room and Board $12,120 $12,056
    Books $1,250 $1,250
    Other Expenses $6,562 $8,370
    Total $28,235 $30,107
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,921 $12,711
    $30,001 - $48k $13,230 $14,107
    $48,001 - $75k $16,740 $17,850
    $75,001 - $110k $18,782 $20,027
    $110,001+ $18,042 $19,238
  • East Tennessee State University

    Johnson City
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,259 $9,438
    Room and Board $8,938 $9,582
    Books $1,350 $1,350
    Other Expenses $5,520 $5,520
    Total $25,067 $25,890
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $10,458 $10,801
    $30,001 - $48k $12,211 $12,612
    $48,001 - $75k $15,151 $15,648
    $75,001 - $110k $18,368 $18,971
    $110,001+ $18,859 $19,478
  • University of Memphis

    Memphis
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,912 $10,056
    Room and Board $10,175 $9,354
    Books $1,600 $1,600
    Other Expenses $4,699 $5,419
    Total $26,386 $26,429
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,640 $11,659
    $30,001 - $48k $12,495 $12,515
    $48,001 - $75k $15,155 $15,180
    $75,001 - $110k $18,894 $18,925
    $110,001+ $18,714 $18,744
  • Middle Tennessee State University

    Murfreesboro
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,070 $9,232
    Room and Board $9,286 $9,576
    Books $1,260 $1,260
    Other Expenses $4,398 $4,486
    Total $24,014 $24,554
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $8,817 $9,015
    $30,001 - $48k $10,499 $10,735
    $48,001 - $75k $13,990 $14,305
    $75,001 - $110k $16,479 $16,850
    $110,001+ $17,144 $17,530
  • The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

    Chattanooga
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,656 $9,848
    Room and Board $9,500 $9,500
    Books $1,400 $1,400
    Other Expenses $4,050 $4,050
    Total $24,606 $24,798
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $8,914 $8,984
    $30,001 - $48k $10,058 $10,136
    $48,001 - $75k $14,294 $14,406
    $75,001 - $110k $16,182 $16,308
    $110,001+ $16,862 $16,994
  • The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

    Knoxville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $13,264 $13,244
    Room and Board $11,856 $12,150
    Books $1,598 $1,598
    Other Expenses $5,780 $5,666
    Total $32,498 $32,658
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $10,425 $10,476
    $30,001 - $48k $13,492 $13,558
    $48,001 - $75k $23,688 $23,805
    $75,001 - $110k $25,805 $25,932
    $110,001+ $26,827 $26,959
  • The University of Tennessee-Martin

    Martin
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,748 $9,912
    Room and Board $6,398 $6,750
    Books $1,400 $1,500
    Other Expenses $4,170 $4,170
    Total $21,716 $22,332
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $7,909 $8,133
    $30,001 - $48k $9,537 $9,808
    $48,001 - $75k $13,278 $13,655
    $75,001 - $110k $15,345 $15,780
    $110,001+ $15,796 $16,244
  • Tennessee State University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,012 $8,336
    Room and Board $7,612 $8,548
    Books $2,900 $1,500
    Other Expenses $3,900 $5,448
    Total $23,424 $23,832
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $10,973 $11,164
    $30,001 - $48k $12,512 $12,730
    $48,001 - $75k $15,610 $15,882
    $75,001 - $110k $17,647 $17,954
    $110,001+ $18,847 $19,175
  • Tennessee Technological University

    Cookeville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $9,636 $9,802
    Room and Board $8,850 $8,850
    Books $1,280 $1,280
    Other Expenses $5,400 $5,400
    Total $25,166 $25,332
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,112 $11,185
    $30,001 - $48k $12,166 $12,246
    $48,001 - $75k $15,740 $15,844
    $75,001 - $110k $18,293 $18,414
    $110,001+ $18,377 $18,498

Private TN Schools Cost Breakdown

  • Belmont University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $37,030 $38,430
    Room and Board $12,890 $13,240
    Books $1,400 $1,400
    Other Expenses $5,130 $5,235
    Total $56,450 $58,305
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $19,332 $19,967
    $30,001 - $48k $24,109 $24,901
    $48,001 - $75k $26,446 $27,315
    $75,001 - $110k $30,141 $31,131
    $110,001+ $40,966 $42,312
  • Bethel University

    McKenzie
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $17,010 $17,482
    Room and Board $9,368 $9,368
    Books $1,200 $1,200
    Other Expenses $4,620 $4,620
    Total $32,198 $32,670
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $14,612 $14,826
    $30,001 - $48k $16,737 $16,982
    $48,001 - $75k $18,939 $19,217
    $75,001 - $110k $20,960 $21,267
    $110,001+ $18,853 $19,129
  • Bryan College-Dayton

    Dayton
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $17,050 $17,360
    Room and Board $7,800 $8,050
    Books $1,250 $1,250
    Other Expenses $2,700 $2,700
    Total $28,800 $29,360
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,775 $12,004
    $30,001 - $48k $12,031 $12,265
    $48,001 - $75k $15,353 $15,652
    $75,001 - $110k $20,249 $20,643
    $110,001+ $19,435 $19,813
  • Carson-Newman University

    Jefferson City
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $29,500 $31,320
    Room and Board $8,894 $9,474
    Books $1,600 $1,600
    Other Expenses $3,116 $3,122
    Total $43,110 $45,516
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $16,063 $16,959
    $30,001 - $48k $12,947 $13,670
    $48,001 - $75k $16,993 $17,941
    $75,001 - $110k $21,083 $22,260
    $110,001+ $22,450 $23,703
  • Christian Brothers University

    Memphis
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $34,880 $34,820
    Room and Board $9,417 $9,417
    Books $1,288 $1,288
    Other Expenses $3,190 $3,190
    Total $48,775 $48,715
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,054 $11,040
    $30,001 - $48k $14,613 $14,595
    $48,001 - $75k $13,778 $13,761
    $75,001 - $110k $15,278 $15,259
    $110,001+ $13,188 $13,172
  • Cumberland University

    Lebanon
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $25,386 $25,412
    Room and Board $8,190 $8,990
    Books $1,500 $1,500
    Other Expenses $6,120 $6,180
    Total $41,196 $42,082
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $23,437 $23,941
    $30,001 - $48k $24,474 $25,000
    $48,001 - $75k $29,421 $30,054
    $75,001 - $110k $30,657 $31,316
    $110,001+ $26,291 $26,856
  • Lipscomb University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $34,744 $35,752
    Room and Board $13,804 $13,976
    Books $1,500 $1,500
    Other Expenses $4,000 $4,000
    Total $54,048 $55,228
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $21,805 $22,281
    $30,001 - $48k $21,563 $22,034
    $48,001 - $75k $22,993 $23,495
    $75,001 - $110k $25,928 $26,494
    $110,001+ $29,064 $29,699
  • Fisk University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $22,132 $22,906
    Room and Board $11,112 $11,500
    Books $1,800 $1,800
    Other Expenses $3,000 $3,000
    Total $38,044 $39,206
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $20,144 $20,759
    $30,001 - $48k $33,888 $34,923
    $48,001 - $75k $20,837 $21,473
    $75,001 - $110k $26,642 $27,456
    $110,001+ $17,212 $17,738
  • Welch College

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $19,582 $19,582
    Room and Board $7,728 $7,728
    Books $1,000 $1,000
    Other Expenses $7,000 $7,000
    Total $35,310 $35,310
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $19,026 $19,026
    $30,001 - $48k $19,955 $19,955
    $48,001 - $75k $14,234 $14,234
    $75,001 - $110k $21,282 $21,282
    $110,001+ $21,728 $21,728
  • Freed-Hardeman University

    Henderson
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $22,950 $23,300
    Room and Board $7,950 $7,950
    Books $1,300 $1,300
    Other Expenses $3,750 $3,750
    Total $35,950 $36,300
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $14,222 $14,360
    $30,001 - $48k $13,024 $13,151
    $48,001 - $75k $15,846 $16,000
    $75,001 - $110k $18,857 $19,041
    $110,001+ $21,587 $21,797
  • King University

    Bristol
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $31,840 $32,838
    Room and Board $9,386 $9,668
    Books $1,560 $1,560
    Other Expenses $3,590 $3,210
    Total $46,376 $47,276
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $23,458 $23,913
    $30,001 - $48k $19,205 $19,578
    $48,001 - $75k $20,149 $20,540
    $75,001 - $110k $21,827 $22,251
    $110,001+ $25,587 $26,084
  • Lane College

    Jackson
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $11,790 $11,790
    Room and Board $7,610 $7,610
    Books $700 $700
    Other Expenses $3,580 $3,580
    Total $23,680 $23,680
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $14,786 $14,786
    $30,001 - $48k $23,637 $23,637
    $48,001 - $75k $0 $0
    $75,001 - $110k $0 $0
    $110,001+ $0 $0
  • Lee University

    Cleveland
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $19,540 $20,500
    Room and Board $8,260 $8,510
    Books $1,600 $1,250
    Other Expenses $3,275 $3,860
    Total $32,675 $34,120
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $14,746 $15,398
    $30,001 - $48k $16,520 $17,251
    $48,001 - $75k $18,730 $19,558
    $75,001 - $110k $20,561 $21,470
    $110,001+ $22,577 $23,575
  • Lincoln Memorial University

    Harrogate
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $23,490 $24,210
    Room and Board $8,500 $10,674
    Books $1,400 $1,400
    Other Expenses $5,500 $4,066
    Total $38,890 $40,350
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,849 $12,294
    $30,001 - $48k $15,097 $15,664
    $48,001 - $75k $16,254 $16,864
    $75,001 - $110k $16,272 $16,883
    $110,001+ $35,736 $37,078
  • Maryville College

    Maryville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $36,292 $37,016
    Room and Board $12,004 $12,306
    Books $1,240 $1,258
    Other Expenses $2,812 $2,870
    Total $52,348 $53,450
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $16,007 $16,344
    $30,001 - $48k $18,910 $19,308
    $48,001 - $75k $20,678 $21,113
    $75,001 - $110k $25,204 $25,735
    $110,001+ $26,319 $26,873
  • Rhodes College

    Memphis
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $50,910 $50,910
    Room and Board $11,816 $11,934
    Books $1,125 $1,125
    Other Expenses $2,619 $2,619
    Total $66,470 $66,588
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $14,649 $14,675
    $30,001 - $48k $14,875 $14,901
    $48,001 - $75k $23,845 $23,887
    $75,001 - $110k $26,499 $26,546
    $110,001+ $35,698 $35,761
  • Sewanee-The University of the South

    Sewanee
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $47,980 $49,418
    Room and Board $13,700 $14,112
    Books $1,200 $1,200
    Other Expenses $1,750 $1,750
    Total $64,630 $66,480
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $10,474 $10,774
    $30,001 - $48k $12,758 $13,123
    $48,001 - $75k $16,685 $17,163
    $75,001 - $110k $20,066 $20,640
    $110,001+ $37,849 $38,932
  • Southern Adventist University

    Collegedale
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $22,930 $23,210
    Room and Board $8,170 $8,240
    Books $1,200 $1,100
    Other Expenses $4,250 $4,250
    Total $36,550 $36,800
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $19,111 $19,242
    $30,001 - $48k $19,996 $20,133
    $48,001 - $75k $23,883 $24,046
    $75,001 - $110k $28,766 $28,963
    $110,001+ $28,341 $28,535
  • Tennessee Wesleyan University

    Athens
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $25,850 $26,590
    Room and Board $8,210 $8,400
    Books $1,400 $1,400
    Other Expenses $2,500 $2,500
    Total $37,960 $38,890
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $9,455 $9,687
    $30,001 - $48k $10,373 $10,627
    $48,001 - $75k $14,452 $14,806
    $75,001 - $110k $19,087 $19,555
    $110,001+ $18,205 $18,651
  • Trevecca Nazarene University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $26,898 $26,898
    Room and Board $9,100 $9,400
    Books $0 $0
    Other Expenses $2,200 $2,310
    Total $38,198 $38,608
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $10,800 $10,916
    $30,001 - $48k $9,506 $9,608
    $48,001 - $75k $13,914 $14,063
    $75,001 - $110k $17,248 $17,433
    $110,001+ $17,767 $17,958
  • Tusculum College

    Greeneville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $25,500 $26,510
    Room and Board $9,450 $9,600
    Books $3,120 $3,026
    Other Expenses $5,523 $4,488
    Total $43,593 $43,624
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $11,880 $11,888
    $30,001 - $48k $12,143 $12,152
    $48,001 - $75k $13,991 $14,001
    $75,001 - $110k $15,249 $15,260
    $110,001+ $17,321 $17,333
  • Union University

    Jackson
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $34,630 $35,510
    Room and Board $10,400 $10,360
    Books $1,650 $1,600
    Other Expenses $9,340 $10,120
    Total $56,020 $57,590
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $27,239 $28,002
    $30,001 - $48k $24,363 $25,046
    $48,001 - $75k $26,368 $27,107
    $75,001 - $110k $27,229 $27,992
    $110,001+ $30,413 $31,265
  • Vanderbilt University

    Nashville
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $54,158 $56,966
    Room and Board $17,670 $18,376
    Books $1,194 $1,194
    Other Expenses $3,022 $3,002
    Total $76,044 $79,538
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $4,752 $4,970
    $30,001 - $48k $7,456 $7,799
    $48,001 - $75k $9,117 $9,536
    $75,001 - $110k $16,889 $17,665
    $110,001+ $43,395 $45,389
  • Milligan College

    Milligan College
    Year 2020-21 2021-22
    Tuition and Fees $35,600 $36,140
    Room and Board $7,400 $7,500
    Books $1,300 $1,300
    Other Expenses $3,828 $3,918
    Total $48,128 $48,858
    Family Income Net Cost (Actual) Net Cost (Estimated)
    $0-$30k $12,123 $12,307
    $30,001 - $48k $20,969 $21,287
    $48,001 - $75k $18,441 $18,721
    $75,001 - $110k $24,645 $25,019
    $110,001+ $25,242 $25,625
 

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