Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in Tennessee for 2024
$19,644
Avg. Net Price
72%
Avg. Admitted
29%
Avg. Enrolled
57%
Avg. Graduation Rate
13/1
Avg. Student / Faculty
Psychology Degree Programs in Tennessee
Find and compare the best psychology degree programs by state.
Number of Schools
In Tennessee, there are 34 4-year schools that offer psychology degrees
Number of Programs
With 34 schools offering psychology programs, the total number of programs offered in Tennessee is 146
Number of Graduates
The 146 psychology programs in Tennessee produced 3,841 psychology graduates in 2021
Tennessee Psychology Degrees Programs
Top (10) Psychology Programs in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 133
Average Cost to Attend: $77,412
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $4,617
Average Net Price: $27,553
Average Admitted: 7%
Average Enrolled: 48%
Average Graduation Rate: 93%
Student / Faculty: 8 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 65%
Tennessee Ranking: #1
National Ranking: #24
Milligan University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 41
Average Cost to Attend: $47,408
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $854
Average Net Price: $20,448
Average Admitted: 60%
Average Enrolled: 34%
Average Graduation Rate: 70%
Student / Faculty: 9 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 63%
Tennessee Ranking: #2
National Ranking: #145
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
2021 Psychology Graduates: 769
Average Cost to Attend: $30,746
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $19,570
Average Net Price: $21,512
Average Admitted: 75%
Average Enrolled: 27%
Average Graduation Rate: 72%
Student / Faculty: 17 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 78%
Tennessee Ranking: #3
National Ranking: #190
Freed-Hardeman University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 52
Average Cost to Attend: $36,300
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,648
Average Net Price: $17,074
Average Admitted: 88%
Average Enrolled: 37%
Average Graduation Rate: 65%
Student / Faculty: 13 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 54%
Tennessee Ranking: #4
National Ranking: #178
Middle Tennessee State University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 393
Average Cost to Attend: $22,666
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $17,589
Average Net Price: $12,617
Average Admitted: 68%
Average Enrolled: 36%
Average Graduation Rate: 54%
Student / Faculty: 16 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 73%
Tennessee Ranking: #5
National Ranking: #272
Rhodes College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 27
Average Cost to Attend: $66,278
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,725
Average Net Price: $30,525
Average Admitted: 57%
Average Enrolled: 20%
Average Graduation Rate: 85%
Student / Faculty: 10 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 85%
Tennessee Ranking: #6
National Ranking: #149
Tennessee Technological University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 30
Average Cost to Attend: $24,050
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $7,808
Average Net Price: $15,481
Average Admitted: 79%
Average Enrolled: 33%
Average Graduation Rate: 60%
Student / Faculty: 18 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 77%
Tennessee Ranking: #7
National Ranking: #351
Southern Adventist University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 113
Average Cost to Attend: $35,910
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,221
Average Net Price: $24,127
Average Admitted: 74%
Average Enrolled: 40%
Average Graduation Rate: 57%
Student / Faculty: 13 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 98%
Tennessee Ranking: #8
National Ranking: #396
The University of the South
2021 Psychology Graduates: 50
Average Cost to Attend: $66,208
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,634
Average Net Price: $29,626
Average Admitted: 60%
Average Enrolled: 19%
Average Graduation Rate: 80%
Student / Faculty: 10 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 84%
Tennessee Ranking: #9
National Ranking: #250
Union University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 124
Average Cost to Attend: $37,600
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,754
Average Net Price: $27,660
Average Admitted: 53%
Average Enrolled: 25%
Average Graduation Rate: 68%
Student / Faculty: 9 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 66%
Tennessee Ranking: #10
National Ranking: #359
Psychology Programs Offered in Tennessee
There are 146 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 34 different 4-year colleges, comprising 9 public and 25 private schools.
Additionally, psychology programs in Tennessee produced 2,583 bachelor’s graduates, 1,083 master’s graduates and 119 doctorate graduates.
The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in Tennessee.
Psychology Graduates | BS | MA | PMC | PhD |
Applied Psychology | 18 | – | – | – |
Behavioral Neuroscience | 2 | – | – | – |
Biopsychology | 2 | – | – | – |
Clinical Psychology | 8 | 7 | – | – |
Community Psychology | – | 3 | – | – |
Counseling and Applied Psychology | 56 | 122 | – | 29 |
Counseling Psychology | 11 | 6 | – | 7 |
Developmental Psychology | 34 | – | – | – |
Educational Psychology | – | 42 | – | 10 |
General Psychology | 1,529 | 86 | – | 38 |
Industrial Organizational Psychology | 19 | 18 | – | – |
Marriage and Family Therapy | – | 74 | – | – |
Mental Health Counseling | – | 122 | 1 | – |
Psychometrics Psychology | – | 5 | – | – |
Research Psychology | 332 | 19 | – | 13 |
School Psychology | – | 11 | – | 3 |
Social Work | 572 | 568 | – | 19 |
Total Graduates | 2,583 | 1,083 | 1 | 119 |
Credits Accepted for Tennessee Schools
The types of academic credits available to Tennessee students are varied and include:
- Dual enrollment
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in Tennessee
On average, Tennessee schools admitted 72% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 29% enrolled.
The average freshman retention rate for Tennessee schools is 73%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.
The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in Tennessee is 57%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.
The top three schools in Tennessee for highest graduation rate are Vanderbilt University (93%), Rhodes College (85%), and The University of the South (80%).
The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in Tennessee are The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (769), Middle Tennessee State University (393), and University of Memphis (373).
Region | Tennessee | U.S. |
Applied | 6,236 | 8,766 |
Admitted | 72% | 73% |
Enrolled | 29% | 26% |
1st Year Return | 73% | 71% |
Graduation | 57% | 56% |
Student & Faculty Information in Tennessee
In the fall of 2021, Tennessee schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 69% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 27% part-time instructional faculty members.
The average student-to-faculty ratio for Tennessee schools offering psychology programs is 13:1.
The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between Tennessee and the United States as a whole:
Region | Tennessee | U.S. |
Full-Time Instructional | 65% | 56% |
Full-Time Research | 4% | 6% |
Part-Time Instructional | 27% | 35% |
Student Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 15:1 |
Tuition and Student Expenses in Tennessee
If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in Tennessee, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $6,816 to $54,840 per year, with an average of $21,898. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $1,125 and $1,800 annually, with an average of $1,380.
The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in Tennessee are The University of Tennessee-Martin ($20,798), Tennessee State University ($22,624), and Middle Tennessee State University ($22,666). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Vanderbilt University ($77,412), Rhodes College ($66,278), and The University of the South ($66,208).
As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $8,226 and $51,600 per year, with an average of $16,005. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $48 to $1,978, with an average of $954.
The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in Tennessee are Carson-Newman University ($9,632), Bryan College-Dayton ($9,760), and Milligan University ($9,796). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are Vanderbilt University ($52,162), Rhodes College ($50,910), and Belmont University ($25,180).
If you’re curious about how Tennessee schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.
Average Expenses for Psychology Schools | Tennessee | U.S. |
On Campus Room & Board | $10,260 | $11,729 |
On-Campus Living Expenses | $4,344 | $3,474 |
Total Living Expenses | $14,604 | $15,203 |
Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate | $21,898 | $21,301 |
Books and Supplies, Undergraduate | $1,380 | $1,254 |
Total Undergraduate Expenses | $37,882 | $37,758 |
In-State, Graduate Tuition | $16,005 | $14,479 |
In-State, Graduate Fees | $954 | $1,155 |
Total Graduate Expenses | $16,959 | $15,634 |
Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in Tennessee
Average Net Price
In Tennessee, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.
The average net price for a college or university in Tennessee that offers psychology programs is $19,644. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.
Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.
Financial | Tennessee | U.S. |
Cost to Attend | $37,882 | $37,758 |
Average Financial Aid | $16,224 | $13,984 |
Percent Receiving Aid | 96% | 90% |
Net Price | $19,644 | $17,524 |
Net Price by Family Income
Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend Tennessee universities shown by family income bracket.
Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Average Net Price by Income | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
$0 – $30,000 | $10,122 | $10,241 |
$30,001 – $48,000 | $11,945 | $11,800 |
$48,001 – $75,000 | $16,112 | $15,961 |
$75,001 – $110,000 | $18,408 | $18,422 |
$110,001 and more | $18,846 | $18,830 |
Additional Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs in Tennessee
Find information on each school’s ranking, number of graduates, net price, and graduation rate along with a link the school’s full 2024 report.
Rank | School | # of Graduates | Net Price | Graduation |
#11 | Lee University | 79 | $19,159 | 58% |
#12 | Christian Brothers University | 48 | $18,997 | 59% |
#13 | Lipscomb University | 128 | $26,614 | 71% |
#14 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | 240 | $13,552 | 54% |
#15 | East Tennessee State University | 270 | $14,482 | 51% |
#16 | University of Memphis | 373 | $14,251 | 54% |
#17 | Austin Peay State University | 234 | $14,529 | 42% |
#18 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 138 | $15,795 | 49% |
#19 | Lincoln Memorial University | 42 | $23,324 | 57% |
#20 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | 64 | $11,646 | 52% |
#21 | King University | 79 | $22,029 | 45% |
#22 | Belmont University | 78 | $35,268 | 68% |
#23 | Carson-Newman University | 36 | $18,147 | 57% |
#24 | Maryville College | 41 | $22,320 | 56% |
#25 | Bryan College-Dayton | 28 | $15,901 | 60% |
#26 | Tusculum University | 21 | $13,234 | 40% |
#27 | Tennessee State University | 118 | $11,880 | 31% |
Psychology Salary Reports for Tennessee
We use annual surveys of 100,000 psychologists to compile data on salary, employment projections, cost-of-living adjustments, comparisons to related professions, salary based on years of experience, and rankings by city.
- Industrial Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Psychology Teachers
- Forensic Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Health Care Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
in addition to school websites, our Career, Salary and Program Source Data Comes from