Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Tennessee
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Tennessee3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Tennessee.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofitHonor Roll#1 in Tennessee
- Net price $15,846 a year
- 94% graduate
- 2
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · PublicHonor Roll#3 in Tennessee
- Net price $18,976 a year
- 74% graduate
- 3
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | $15,846 | $14,000 | $91,565 | 94% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $18,976 | $20,500 | $60,249 | 74% |
| Lee University | $18,878 | $25,750 | $43,222 | 63% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.