In 2008, the Tennessee State Board of Education began a distance learning and e-learning policy to enhance and accelerate educational offerings to the state's high schoolers. Students can now access courses and course formats otherwise unavailable to them. The policy also assures that schools deliver a consistent and high quality education for students statewide. In 2009, Tennessee's online curriculum resource e4TN was recognized as a leader in distance learning by the United States Distance Learning Associated. Many schools in Tennessee have incorporated distance learning into curriculums, like the University of Tennessee, which offers 40 online degree programs, and reports an increase in online enrollment nearly every semester.
The cost of tuition at Tennessee colleges has hovered slightly above the national average, with public two-year schools experiencing a 43% increase between 2004 and 2014, and tuition increased 57.5% during the same period at public four-year schools. In June of 2014, the Tennessee Board of Regents voted to increase tuition at its universities, and many students will feel the financial burdens in 2015. Tuition will increase 5.8% at 13 community colleges, and 6.9% at six universities, including East Tennessee University, which will increase by $442 per year per student.
The spike in costs is, in part, due to a 21.8% decrease in state funding for higher education between 2008 and 2014. Despite recent tuition inflation, enrollment has continued to increase in public Tennessee schools. Between 2002 and 2012, enrollment increased 20% in Tennessee, slightly above the 19% national average. Tennessee has an overall 47.8% graduation rate among public four-year universities, and a 72.2% first-year student retention rate.
Find more information on Tennessee's best online degree programs in our extensive school database below. Learn how Tennessee schools rank nationally by browsing the state facts section below.
Featured Online Programs
92 Colleges in Tennessee
Daymar Institute-Nashville
Nashville, TN · Tuition & fees: $17,000
Martin Methodist College
Pulaski, TN · Tuition & fees: $23,100
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- TN Stars: The state's 529 savings plan includes incentives for opening an account, 14 investment options, and low minimum contribution limits. There's one age-based option, as well. The program is run by the Tennessee Treasury Department.
Education Nonprofits
- Tennessee Promise: Just approved by the Tennessee government this year, Tennessee Promise is dedicated to providing a higher education for every student in the state. The organization is currently identifying community colleges with which it can partner; the premise is that every high school student that applies to the program and meets its requirements will be able to attend a community college for free.
- Public Education Foundation Chattanooga: This national nonprofit has a state organization in Tennessee. It aims to support public education at all levels, but it also hosts college-specific workshops for students who face barriers in accessing higher education. PEF holds "Camp College" every summer, providing 40 rising seniors the opportunity to explore postsecondary education.
- Tennessee College Access & Success: This nonprofit works with communities to create a culture of interest and participation in higher education. Its goal is to increase the number of Tennessee residents who finish college or university and earn a degree. They work with legislators, community leaders, and educators to expand awareness.
Higher Education News
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission News: The state agency in charge of higher education maintains a news archive with information on Tennessee's public institutions.
- Education Week Tennessee: This national publication allows users to filter by state, providing news specific to Tennessee's colleges and universities.