2023 Best ADN Programs in Tennessee
With 52 ADN Programs in Tennessee and the ACEN accrediting 27 of these, prospective students may wonder, “How can I identify the best schools to apply to?” A multi-faceted strategy can bring clarity.
Start by considering NCLEX passing rates. This critical examination determines a nursing graduate’s readiness to practice safely and effectively. The average range for ADN students in Tennessee stands between 75.70% and 98.30%. Schools with higher passing rates typically prepare their students well for the rigors of nursing.
Next, investigate the school’s accreditation. Programs with ACEN accreditation have met or exceeded strict educational standards. In Tennessee, 27 schools boast this credential. Applying to one of these schools can ensure a quality education.
Also, consider the duration of the program. An ADN typically spans 18 to 24 months. But, each student’s commitments and circumstances can dictate how fast they move through the program. Schools that offer flexible scheduling can make the process smoother.
Finally, personal factors like location, cost, and culture should factor into your decision. Visit campuses, meet with faculty, and speak with current students. These activities can provide insights that data can’t capture.
By integrating these strategies, students can identify the best ADN programs in Tennessee to apply to and set themselves up for success.
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Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.
2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Tennessee

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Tennessee?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Tennessee and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Pellissippi State Community College
Pass Rate

- 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN - 37933-0990
- (865) 694-6400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.22%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 231
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,456
Book and Supplies: $1,300
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,120
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pellissippi Community College is one of the best nursing colleges in the state with the NCLEX pass rate of more than 96%. The nursing educators and faculty aim to provide an education that values excellence in ethical patient care and professional growth and integrity.
The department itself is committed to assisting every student in achieving success and thus they have specific plans, goals, and requirements requiring enrollment and re-entry so that each student gets the opportunity they deserve. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as productive team members of the healthcare team and practice safe nursing practices. The clinical hours and laboratory practice allow them to become effective providers as well as managers of care. The students are taught not only to work as members of a team but also to work independently with a network of individuals who can recognize and be in step with the rapid changes in the healthcare delivery processes. The nursing department also realizes and acts upon the necessity of continued professional growth and development through life-long learning.
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree offers two options for students to get entry into the healthcare field. The traditional pathway accepts fall and spring applications where students can enroll in a degree that allows them to begin their healthcare journey.Â
Similarly, there is a spring bridge to RN pathway that allows students who already have begun a nursing career to get their RN license upon passing their NCLEX-RN examinations.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Columbia State Community College
Pass Rate

- 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN - 38401
- (931) 540-2730
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.19%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 106
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,666
Book and Supplies: $1,800
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,802
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Columbia State Community College’s nursing division aims to serve the community of Tennessee and global health by providing students with a basic nursing education that allows them to become successful registered nurses. The graduates work as nurse generalists who take on the roles of care provider, manager/coordinator of care, and valuable healthcare team members.Â
Nursing education at Columbia State Community College teaches the students the basics of collaboration, organization, delegation, accountability, advocacy, and respect for other healthcare workers. The nursing curriculum here combines general education with nursing education courses to provide the students with the scientific knowledge, and technical and interpersonal skills needed to make a difference in an individual’s health. In their clinical rotations, the students are taught to provide care to sick individuals as well as their families and communities. They are also taught to take care of groups of patients in acute, intermediate, and long-term care settings. Along with patient care and health promotion, they are also taught collaboration, organization, delegation, accountability, advocacy, and respect for other healthcare workers.
Undergraduate Programs: The AAS nursing degree can be completed in four semesters and allows students to sit for their NCLEX-RN examinations. The coursework itself is challenging and requires attention to time management and self-discipline to excel.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Jackson State Community College
Pass Rate

- 2046 North Pky, Jackson, TN - 38301-3797
- (731) 424-3520
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.19%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 93
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,618
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,208
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 20%
At Jackson State Community College, the nursing program employs continuous quality improvement methods to meet the needs of its students, employers, and the healthcare community as a whole. The college ranks among the top nursing colleges in the state with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of more than 99%.
Nursing students at Jackson State Community College practice in diverse clinical environments such as hospitals, clinics, and extended care facilities to strengthen their skills and knowledge. Additionally, they are led by expert faculty who are currently practicing nursing, in these practicals as well as in their theory classes. The college administration and faculty are also continuously studying the healthcare environment and the students’ experiences to ensure that the curriculum evolves to encompass the recent rapid changes in healthcare. Graduates of the program have been found to function effectively as providers and managers of care, team players, and they abide by the legal and ethical standards of the profession.
Undergraduate Programs: The two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) program prepares the students for entry-level skills and knowledge needed to begin a nursing career upon passing their NCLEX-RN examinations. The graduates can even choose to continue their education to the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Similarly, the LPN to RN career mobility track allows working LPNs to pursue their AAS in Nursing degree and take their NCLEX-RN examination. Applicants must possess a valid unencumbered Tennessee or multi-state practical nurse license and complete a minimum of 20 hours of prerequisites before applying for the course.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Cleveland State Community College
Pass Rate

- 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN - 37312
- (423) 472-7141
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.81%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 78
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,400
Book and Supplies: $942
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,074
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
Ranked as one of the state’s best nursing colleges, Cleveland State Community College aims to educate its nursing students to become managers of ill people, their families, and the community as a whole. Graduates of the program are working in hospitals, communities, school systems, nursing homes, Doctors’ offices, home health care, and a plethora of other areas. Â
Nursing students of Cleveland State Community College graduate to become not only good care providers but also competent supervisors of care, nursing managers, counselors, and health promoters. In their extensive clinical hours, the students learn the application of nursing procedures and skills in a manner that benefits the patients and is rooted in evidence-based practice. Students learn in teams, either with themselves or with other healthcare providers in healthcare facilities. In such teams, they learn the importance of collaboration, communication, prioritization, delegation, and teamwork. The highly trained instructors also teach them to practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing and the standard of professional nursing practice. Thus the graduates of Cleveland State Community College are highly sought-after and find employment soon after graduation.
Undergraduate Programs: Cleveland State Community College offers three tracks for obtaining an AAS degree. There is a day option as well as a night option for students who have other commitments. Similarly, there is also an LPN - AAS bridge with a flexible schedule that allows working LPNs to work towards their AAS degree and subsequently their RN license.
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Chattanooga State Community College
Pass Rate

- 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN - 37406-1097
- (423) 697-4400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 231
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,430
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,083
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
Chattanooga State Community College is an affordable public institution that is committed to providing accessible, quality nursing education to its students. The nursing program here prepares students to be successful RNs who can meet the current and emerging needs of the individuals, community, and healthcare system.Â
Graduates from Chattanooga State Community College become RNs who can use clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice to provide healthcare to diverse individuals in all kinds of healthcare settings across the lifespan. The college is highly affordable and has a great record in terms of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, and job placement rates of the past four years. In addition to this, the college has day and night programs for their AAS classes which allow students to choose to work and study in the shift that is feasible to them. Most graduates of the program have successfully found employment within one year of graduation in healthcare centers like hospitals, physician's offices, home healthcare agencies, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services.Â
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate RN program or the AAS in Nursing in Chattanooga State Community College accepts students in both the day and night shifts. The day program includes four clinical program courses that can be completed in two academic years and the night program includes five clinical program courses which students can complete in two and half years.
Furthermore, registered and working LPNs and Paramedics can choose to transition to RN by pursuing their AAS degree in Nursing to qualify to take their NCLEX-RN examination and work as RNs.
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Nashville State Community College
Pass Rate

- 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN - 37209-4515
- (615) 353-3333
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.26%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 144
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,372
Book and Supplies: $1,300
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,539
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 17%
Nashville State Community College is one of the best nursing colleges in the state that trains students to work with people from various cultures across the life span. The education aims to create a dynamic learning environment that includes accountability/trust, caring, creativity/passion, diversity, excellence, and lifelong learning.
At Nashville State Community College, the nursing program teaches students the art of nursing that includes providing evidence-based practice through discovery, integration, application, innovative technology, and scholarship. Students also participate in clinical practicals in hospitals and healthcare settings located in middle Tennessee, in addition to classroom education. The clinical practical includes rotations in nursing care of adults in a medical-surgical setting and an intensive care unit, family nursing including care of children and expectant mothers, mental health nursing, and community health nursing. In addition to classroom education, the highly dedicated faculty also help students succeed in reaching their educational and career goals, provide learning opportunities to serve students in occupational and educational settings, and respond to the educational and training demands of both students and employers.
Undergraduate Programs: The Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at Nashville State Community College is a two-year course that includes both didactic and clinical training. Students are eligible to take and excel at their NCLEX-RN examinations upon graduation and graduates have been successfully working in multiple healthcare settings including obstetrics, psychiatric care, critical care, and other departments and facilities.
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
Dyersburg State Community College
Pass Rate

- 1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN - 38024-2411
- (731) 286-3200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.78%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 47
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,410
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,349
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
Located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Dyersburg State Community College is a public nursing college that ranks among the best in the entire state. The college is committing to allowing its students to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead a career in professional nursing.
By providing quality nursing education from trained professionals, Dyersburg State Community College aims to elevate the region’s educational attainment and health which in turn helps to enhance the quality of life in West Tennessee. The college aims to provide leadership in public service activities, workforce development projects, and educational collaborations. As such it actively involves its students in lifelong learning, promotion of diversity, and improvement of the community as a whole. Nursing students benefit from the high-tech classrooms where they are instructed by some of the most highly-accredited healthcare professionals in the state. They also spend a huge portion of their academic years in clinical rotations in multiple healthcare facilities in the state where they learn to take care of a diverse population while also working in a team and applying evidence-based practice.
Undergraduate Programs: Dyersburg State Community College offers a traditional ASN program that allows students to sit for their NCLEX-RN examination and work as nurse generalists. The program is also available in the evening track where students will have two night classes a week.
Similarly, the Advanced Standing LPN-RN fast track is a one-year program that allows licensed LPNs to attend the classes while also remaining employed.
Finally, there is a Paramedic-RN program that aims to provide licensed paramedics with the opportunity to work towards their RN degrees. The program is three semesters long.
#8 Associate Degree in Nursing
Motlow State Community College
Pass Rate

- 6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN - 37388
- (931) 393-1500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.44%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 131
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,416
Book and Supplies: $1,124
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,277
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
Motlow State Community College’s nursing curriculum prepares students to work in the rapidly changing healthcare world of today. The nursing program here is rigorous and prepares students to become caring and accomplished professionals in addition to being competent leaders.
The nursing program emphasizes the application of professional behavior, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care provision, teaching and learning, collaboration, and care management of diverse client populations. In addition to classroom instruction, the students also participate in clinical rotations. The clinical practicum takes place in hospitals, extended care facilities, and other health and community agencies. Furthermore, the clinical facilities are located within the college’s 11-county service area so students get the chance to care for a diverse population in different specialty areas. In addition to being affordable and accessible, Motlow State Community College also features a single scholarship application system that allows nursing students to apply for all nursing scholarships together.Â
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing is a four-semester curriculum that prepares students for their NCLEX-RN examination. Students learn under the guidance of highly qualified, experienced faculty, and their clinical experiences throughout Tennessee prepare them for a rewarding nursing career in any field of their choosing. Graduates contribute to the supply of registered nurses in Motlow State’s eleven county service areas.
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You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Tennessee Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 44
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 13
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 5
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- CNL: 2
- Nursing Administration: 2
- Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Educator: 1
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
Tennessee Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Union University: 7
- King University: 6
- East Tennessee State University: 5
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 5
- Tennessee Technological University: 3
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 3
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: 2
- Middle Tennessee State University: 2
- Belmont University: 2
- King University: 2
Additional Tennessee ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Tennessee Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
87.59 | Northeast State Community College | 10 | ADN |
87.33 | Roane State Community College | 11 | ADN |
85.56 | Southwest Tennessee Community College | 12 | ADN |
84.30 | Lincoln Memorial University | 13 | ADN |
84.00 | Southern Adventist University | 14 | ADN |
75.89 | Tennessee State University | 15 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Tennessee
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Tennessee Nurses
What options do students pursuing ADN Programs in Tennessee have to secure financial aid? There are several avenues to explore.
- Loans – These are borrowed funds that need to be paid back with interest. Students can look into federal loans, state loans, or private loans. Start by filling out the free FAFSA application to determine eligibility for federal and state loans.
- Grants – This is free money that doesn’t need to be paid back. They’re often need-based. The FAFSA application is also the key to accessing grant options.
- Scholarships – These are also free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or for specific groups. Tennessee has various scholarships available to nursing students.
The free FAFSA application is crucial. It opens doors to federal and state loans, grants, and can also be a requirement for many scholarships.
ADN Scholarships for Tennessee Nurses
- Tennessee Promise Scholarship – This last-dollar scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid for Tennessee high school graduates. Applicants must complete a FAFSA application. Award Amount: Varies, Application Deadline Month: November
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award – Need-based award for undergraduate students attending eligible Tennessee institutions. Completion of FAFSA is mandatory. Award Amount: Up to $4,000, Application Deadline Month: February
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program – A competitive scholarship that rewards Tennessee’s top academic students. Must be a Tennessee resident. Award Amount: $6,000, Application Deadline Month: February
- Dependent Children Scholarship Program – This scholarship is for dependent children of Tennessee law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Award Amount: Up to $5,000, Application Deadline Month: July
- Minority Teaching Fellows Program – For minority Tennesseans who aspire to teach in Tennessee. Award Amount: Up to $5,000, Application Deadline Month: April
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Tennessee Resources for ADN
For those seeking ADN programs in Tennessee, a variety of state and organizational resources are available to guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources provide essential information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job opportunities within the state. Below are some key resources for individuals pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Tennessee:
- The Board of Nursing for Tennessee: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring high standards of care and professionalism.
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Tennessee: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Tennessee based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Tennessee: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.