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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Tennessee

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Tennessee10 schools

10 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

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).
Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

1
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
#1 in Tennessee
- 96% of freshmen return
- 94% graduate
2
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
#2 in Tennessee
- 92% of freshmen return
- 85% graduate
3
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · PublicHonor Roll
#3 in Tennessee
- 92% of freshmen return
- 74% graduate
4
Union University
Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit
#6 in Tennessee
- 89% of freshmen return
- 66% graduate
5
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
#3 in Tennessee
- 89% of freshmen return
- 80% graduate
6
Belmont University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
#7 in Tennessee
- 87% of freshmen return
- 71% graduate
7
Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TN · Private nonprofit
#8 in Tennessee
- 86% of freshmen return
- 71% graduate
8
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
#5 in Tennessee
- 84% of freshmen return
- 72% graduate
9
Lee University
Cleveland, TN · Private nonprofit
#10 in Tennessee
- 82% of freshmen return
- 63% graduate
10
Milligan University
Milligan, TN · Private nonprofit
#9 in Tennessee
- 82% of freshmen return
- 63% graduate

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%
Rhodes College	$28,585	$21,761	$66,651	85%
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	$18,976	$20,500	$60,249	74%
Union University	$27,171	$20,714	$53,990	66%
The University of the South	$27,872	$22,855	$64,911	80%
Belmont University	$33,147	$20,500	$55,930	71%
Freed-Hardeman University	$21,574	$21,500	$47,485	71%
Lipscomb University	$24,739	$19,500	$55,541	72%
Lee University	$18,878	$25,750	$43,222	63%
Milligan University	$21,365	$25,219	$46,641	63%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

The national list → · All top school lists →

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