College is a dream for many individuals, but they aren’t always able to attend immediately after high school. By the time they can attend school, they already have a job or other responsibilities and feel like attending a brick-and-mortar school is out of the question. However, online degree programs in Tennessee can make education possible. 

For working adults, scheduling issues are often the problem. Scheduling issues make it nearly impossible, or at least very inconvenient, for a working adult to go to school for the first time, change career paths, or better his or herself. Online degrees in Tennessee, however, make it possible for individuals to attend school on a schedule that works for them and at home in their pajamas. A working adult can complete coursework before or after work and even get ahead on his or her day off when choosing one of the online degree programs in Tennessee.

How We Ranked the Best Online Colleges in Tennessee

Value Colleges’ ranking of the best online colleges in Tennessee focuses on bachelor’s degrees that students can obtain 100% online. All the schools listed below are ranked by the number of fully online bachelor’s degree programs they offer. That’s not all, though; each institution has to stand up to Value Colleges’ standards, including full accreditation and a history of creating value for online graduates.

1. University of Memphis

With more than twice as many options as any other school in Tennessee, the University of Memphis Global tops the list of the best online colleges in Tennessee. Students can choose to major in accountancy, African and African American studies, anthropology, business information and technology, communication, criminology and criminal justice, early care and learning, early intervention, English, finance, healthcare leadership, health services, legal studies, liberal studies, management, marketing management, philosophy, political science, professional studies, psychology, public relations, RN-BSN, sociology, or sport and leisure management.

The University of Memphis Global makes it easy for students to find time for their education. Students can log in from anywhere in the world, and the school allows credit for prior work experience and training. Students receive the same diploma as their on-campus counterparts, but through the power of the Internet, they receive a flexible education that fits right in with their lives—no matter how complex. Every UofM Global program is 100% online.

Number of Online Programs: 25

school website

2. King University

King University Online is also one of the best online colleges in Tennessee, with 12 online bachelor’s programs: communication, health informatics, history, English, criminal justice, healthcare administration, psychology, information technology, business administration, religious studies, social work, and RN to BSN. King University Online allows students to keep their prior commitments while pursuing their education. Students learn in a caring online environment that allows interaction with faculty and peers as they explore their faith and study for their future careers.

King University is a Presbyterian university that is committed to combining faith exploration with academic education. The school seeks to produce thoughtful, responsible graduates with a heart for service. King’s online degrees are career-focused to help prepare students for the real world. Online students earn the same degree as their on-campus peers. King University Online offers multiple start dates to provide online students with maximum flexibility.

Number of Online Programs: 12

school website

3. Lipscomb University

Next on the list of the best online colleges in Tennessee is Lipscomb University. Students seeking an online bachelor’s degree have 11 options to choose from at this school: business leadership, entertainment management, data analytics, customer experience, integrated studies, public administration, psychology, organizational communication, strategic leadership, technology management, and supply chain and operations management. Lipscomb’s online programs are built around students’ needs. Students can learn at their own pace and put their new skills and knowledge to use right away.

Lipscomb University is a Christian school with a caring culture. Faculty members are committed to ensuring that students succeed. The courses are taught by the school’s top-notch faculty members, and students are immersed in an active online learning environment. Lipscomb students are part of a supportive community that truly cares about them. Every student at Lipscomb has a one-on-one coach cheering them on. Lipscomb uses competency-based learning to allow students to earn credit for what they already know.

Number of Online Programs: 11

school website

4. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University’s eCampus also qualifies as one of the best online colleges in Tennessee. This school has several bachelor’s degrees available for online students. The choices are: communication arts (information specialist), business administration (management), criminal justice, computer science and information system, public management, political science, medical laboratory science, sociology, nursing (RN to BSN), and leadership and organizational administration (hospitality administration or organizational administration).

The TN eCampus offers courses from many colleges and universities throughout Tennessee, including Austin Peay State University. The school’s online courses are user-friendly and easy to navigate. Austin Peay values academic excellence and is the proud recipient of many Fulbright awards. The school prepares students to become leaders who make a positive difference in the world. The online programs at Austin Peay State University are designed to fit into students’ lives and make it easier to earn a college degree.

Number of Online Programs: 11

school website

5. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University offers five online bachelor’s degree programs: criminal justice (law enforcement, homeland security), professional studies (healthcare administration, information technology, organizational leadership, international organizational leadership), commerce, integrated studies, and psychology. The integrated studies degree allows students to choose two areas of interest and custom design a degree program that meets their needs. As one of the best online colleges in Tennessee, the school offers resources to help its students, such as the ability to earn credit for prior experience.

Middle Tennessee State University prides itself on its academic excellence. The school’s faculty is dedicated to preparing students for the jobs of the future. They do this by ensuring that students are well-rounded, with a comprehensive education that covers all of the bases, including the ability to adapt and change as the world changes around them. Enrolling in an online degree program at MTSU allows students the flexibility to be able to balance their education with their personal and professional lives.

Number of Online Programs: 10

school website

6. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is next on the list of the best online colleges in Tennessee. This school offers online or hybrid bachelor’s degree programs in interdisciplinary studies, professional studies (health administration, information technology, international organizational leadership, organizational leadership), sociology, and urban studies. The interdisciplinary studies degree is designed for adult students who have earned some college credits and want to complete their degrees. The program can be customized to meet the requirements of the student.

Tennessee State University offers students the opportunity to experience success through academic achievement and personal development. The school has outstanding faculty and students are able to participate in research, internships, study abroad, and many other opportunities. Tennessee State University is known for its great value and close-knit community. Tennessee State University offers many support services for e-learners, including career development, counseling services, academic support, and tutoring.

Number of Online Programs: 7

school website

7. The University of Tennessee – Martin

The University of Tennessee—Martin offers eight online bachelor’s degree programs: agricultural business (general or completion program for veterinary tech and management), agriculture (farm and ranch management), business administration, criminal justice, interdisciplinary studies, nursing (RN to BSN), and philosophy. The interdisciplinary studies degree is a customized degree plan that allows students to select the courses that will help them most in their future careers.

As one of the best online colleges in Tennessee, UT Martin is determined to prepare its students to succeed in the world’s economy. The school provides top-notch academic programs to the people of Tennessee and from all over the world. UT Martin invests heavily in both its faculty and its technology to ensure that its graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Students have access to dozens of groups and organizations that enrich the university experience. The University of Tennessee accepts up to 60 hours of credit from CLEP, military training, DANTES, and portfolio credit.

Number of Online Programs: 7

school website

8. Lee University

Lee University offers six online undergraduate programs to its students. They are Bible and theology, business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, liberal studies, and ministry leadership. The liberal arts degree provides a great way for students with prior college credits to apply those credits toward a degree. The degree has enough flexibility to utilize most of the student’s existing credits.

Lee University is a private, Christ-centered university. Listed as one of the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, it is also one of the best online colleges in Tennessee. The school provides a solid liberal arts foundation that incorporates biblical principles. Lee seeks to instill in students the knowledge, skills, understanding, appreciation, and ability that will ready them for a life as a responsible Christian and a complicated world. According to Christian Universities Online, Lee University is one of the most affordable Christian colleges in the nation.

Number of Online Programs: 6

school website

9. Johnson University

Johnson University offers five online bachelor’s degrees. They are in applied linguistics, pastoral care and counseling, business administration, ministry leadership, and intercultural studies. The school also offers six online associate degrees, three online master’s, and a Ph.D. in leadership studies. At Johnson University, 94% of all students receive some form of financial aid.

Johnson University is one of the best online Christian colleges in Tennessee. The school focuses on exploring God’s word, God’s work, and God’s world. Its mission is to prepare students to carry out the Great Commission in whatever career they choose. The school is very affordable, costing less than half the average for private colleges and universities in the US. Johnson’s core values are the sovereignty of scripture and lordship of Christ; Christian service; the importance of prayer, faith, and work; affordability; academic excellence; Christian living; and spreading the word about Christ.

Number of Online Programs: 5

school website

10. Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Online at Trevecca Nazarene University offers five bachelor’s degree programs: Christian ministry, computer information technology, health care administration, management and leadership, and psychology. The school is one of the best faith-based online Christian colleges in Tennessee, incorporating faith into every class. Trevecca uses the latest technology to manage its online classes, and all online programs are 100% online. The uses a cohort-based system, so students progress through the program at the same pace as others who start at the same time.

Trevecca Nazarene University is committed to developing students who serve their communities and lead their organizations. The school incorporates real-world experience in its classes to help prepare students for life after graduation. Trevecca’s faculty members have real-world experience and most hold terminal degrees. The school offers a quality education that can get you where you want to go. At Trevecca, students take just one class at a time, so it’s easy to stay focused.

Number of Online Programs: 5

school website

What is the Value of Online College in Tennessee?

Today more than ever students across America are seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online or seeking opportunities to further their careers through certificate or continuing education online programs. In keeping with pace, the American workforce and business owners nationwide now respect these degrees just as traditional degrees have been honored for years. For working adults or students who need to juggle other commitments, online education now is a desirable and viable option for gaining an education in a flexible and forgiving manner.

Often, a parent doesn’t think going back to school is a possibility for this reason. However, online degrees in Tennessee make it possible for a person to take care of his or her children and still complete the program. A parent can complete courses from one of the Tennessee online degrees during times when the kids are asleep or are busy. For parents with school-aged children, the amount of coursework from Tennessee online degrees can be completed during school hours.  

Unfortunately, rural students don’t always think they can attend school due to the issue of distance. Schools just aren’t located near their homes, so going to school requires a long drive, possibly in traffic. It doesn’t help that bad weather can hinder rural students from being able to go back and forth. However, in Tennessee online degree programs, students don’t have to commute or miss school during bad weather. Additionally, rural students in Tennessee online degree programs don’t have to worry about wear and tear on their vehicles.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Tennessee?

Fortunately for people who want to earn a degree online, the possibilities are great. For instance, a student may decide between associate’s degrees or online bachelor degree programs in Tennessee. There are also the options of online masters degree programs in Tennessee and online doctoral programs in Tennessee. 

Students who choose to earn associates degrees have fewer choices than students who want to obtain other degrees, but it’s still possible to find a wide array of majors in various subjects, such as healthcare, criminal justice, business, and more. Online bachelor degree options in Tennessee are more plentiful since some majors a person can only earn in a classroom at an associate’s degree level. For instance, both nursing and elementary education require a person to attend a program on campus. 

Online masters degree programs in Tennessee allow individuals to choose a specialization within their field. For instance, a student may choose to earn a business degree with a concentration in marketing. Online doctoral programs in Tennessee also give people the option to specialize. For instance, a student may choose to focus on industrial/organizational psychology.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Tennessee?

It’s not a surprise that many people can’t afford school, even if they choose an online program, which is usually cheaper than a traditional on-campus program. However, it’s possible to find affordable online colleges in Tennessee. Generally, a public educational institution is a more cost-efficient solution. Moreover, a person wants to select one of the regional campuses. The main ones tend to cost more. Keep in mind, not every public institution is cheaper, so a person will need to compare schools based on which ones are the most affordable online colleges in Tennessee. 

Typically, the most affordable online colleges are online community colleges in Tennessee. A student is limited regarding his or her options, but a community college still provides a student with a quality education. Those who don’t want to solely attend a community college may want to look into online community colleges in Tennessee to earn credits or complete an undergraduate degree. 

Finally, a pupil should look into employer reimbursement. This is when an employer pays for part of the student’s education. The student has to work for the company for a certain amount of time, though. 

What About Online Public Universities in Tennessee? 

Online public universities offer students a quality education. Generally, a Tennessee online college is cheaper than a private school. When a person is searching, he or she will notice that many of the public schools are accredited. Some schools not only are accredited online colleges in Tennessee, but they’re also accredited schools in general.  

Often, a Tennessee online college that’s a public institution offers the same programs online and on campus. Therefore, students benefit from a quality education that’s the same as the education a brick-and-mortar student is receiving. 

The number of majors available to students is numerous at many public schools. Plus, the school may give students the option of taking a minor.

Related Rankings: 

• Top 25 Best Value Online Colleges
• Top 25 Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Online Graduate Schools