RN Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee RN Programs at a Glance

RN Programs Offered in Tennessee

ADN Programs: 16
BSN Programs: 29

ADN Program Stats

NCLEX-RN Average: 89%
NCLEX Rate Range: 73% to 96%
Average Net-Price $9,316.69
Net-Price Range: $4,575.00 to $20,343.00
Average Student Loan: $9,603.93

BSN Program Stats

NCLEX-RN Average: 88%
NCLEX Rate Range: 68% to 100%
Average Net-Price $15,704.45
Net-Price Range: $7,531.00 to $30,357.00
Average Student Loan: $17,715.83

Tennessee RN Program Guide

Healthcare is constantly evolving and nursing schools in Tennessee are responding to meet the need of nursing students. They are offering new ways for nurses to expand their education and professional reach. Up until recently, hospitals were designed as the focus of bedside care to patients that experience health disruption. The guidelines in the Affordable Care Act require registered nurses to be health leaders and provide health prevention to the masses. Registered nurses are encouraged to pursue higher education to meet the challenges of the complex and evolving healthcare system. The new responsibilities of nurses are challenging but can present wonderful opportunities and rewards.

In our Tennessee RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Tennessee RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.

The State of Tennessee offers 44 RN programs in 28 different cities. Public institutions offer 23 of the RN programs in the state while there are 2 private, for-profit and 19 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.

In the State of Tennessee, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.

Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Tennessee RN Programs.

ADN Programs in Tennessee

RN programs are abundant in the state of Tennessee; in fact, many colleges also offer articulation programs, allowing students to finish general education credits, then finish their BSN degree at university. For incoming freshman, students may also apply for Tennessee Promise – a program that, “…provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or state student assistance funds.”

NCLEX Passing Rates for Tennessee ADN Programs

Chattanooga State Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Tennessee of 96.29%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,902.00 a year.

ADN Programs Offered in Tennessee: 16
Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 89.22%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 73.29% to 96.29%

How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Tennessee?

We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Tennessee so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.

When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

The lowest cost ADN program in Tennessee is offered by Walters State Community College at about $4,575.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 90.14%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Southern Adventist University and it will cost about $20,343.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 85.71%.

Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inTennessee: $9,316.69
Net-Price Range for Tennessee ADN Programs: $4,575.00 to $20,343.00

Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs

Average Student Borrowing for Tennessee Schools: $9,603.93
Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Tennessee: $2,500.00 to $22,849.00

ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

Public Institutions: 13
Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 3

BSN Programs in Tennessee

Nurses can be prepared for acute care in a hospital setting with an associate’s degree. However, without a higher education, nurses will not have a lot of room to grow as professionals. Nursing schools in Tennessee offer BSN programs that can connect knowledge gained while working in the field to what is learned in the classroom. As nurses in Tennessee complete higher education in the field, they will be better prepared for new opportunities that would not have been previously offered.

NCLEX Passing Rates for Tennessee BSN Programs

Aquinas College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Tennessee with a score of 100.00%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $20,153.00 a year.

BSN Programs Offered in Tennessee: 29
Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.34%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 67.67% to 100.00%

How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Tennessee?

We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Tennessee to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.

The lowest cost BSN degree program in Tennessee is offered by The University of Tennessee-Martin and will cost you about $7,531.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 95.57%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Belmont University and will cost you about $30,357.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.86%.

Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Tennessee: $15,704.45
Net-Price Range for Tennessee BSN Programs: $7,531.00 to $30,357.00

Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs

Average Student Borrowing for Tennessee Schools: $17,715.83
Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Tennessee: $11,128.00 to $27,000.00

BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions

Public Institutions: 11
Private For-Profit Institutions: 1
Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 17

MSN Programs in Tennessee

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Tennessee offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Tennessee RN Licensing Requirements

Tennessee State Board of Nursing
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3111

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $100
License renewal (every two years): RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements:
No continuing education hours are required, though license renewal requires proof of continued competence.

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates who completed an approved nursing program will be automatically presented to the Board for exam eligibility. Fingerprinting will be required in the process and candidates must use the company Identogo. Then, the candidate will register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee. When the candidate has received authorization to test (ATT), he/she will be able to schedule the exam.

RN License by Endorsement

Applicants who completed a program in one of the other 50 states will be able to apply for endorsement. The candidate must list all positions held in the previous five years and submit a transcript, copy of diploma, and verification of official licensure. There is a $115 fee for license by endorsement and the candidate must include a passport-type photo. The application is to be notarized before submission.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Candidates who have been trained outside of the United States are encouraged to email the Board for instructions.

RN Salaries in Tennessee

Nurses who are looking to advance their careers can gain positive results from higher education. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses may take advantage of worthwhile areas such as:

Nurses in the armed forces with a bachelor’s may receive officer status and receive special benefits and advanced education opportunities
Opportunities in physician specialty areas and private practice like cosmetic surgery

Approximately 79,000 registered nurses have obtained licensure. It is predicted that there will be a 30% increase in shortages of nurses in Tennessee by the year 2020. Nurses in Tennessee earn, on average, $56,730. This varies and is dependent on the education and experience level of the nurse.

Tennessee Registered Nursing Salaries

Chattanooga has the highest amount of registered nurses employed across the state. In addition, Chattanooga also has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.

Area name	Employment	Hourly mean wage	Annual median wage
Chattanooga, TN-GA	5,850	$27.72	$57,670
Clarksville, TN-KY	1,490	$27.70	$57,600
Cleveland, TN	570	$24.95	$52,420
Jackson, TN	2,000	$24.86	$49,570
Johnson City, TN	2,700	$26.63	$54,980
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA	2,600	$24.80	$49,900
Knoxville, TN	6,970	$25.93	$54,310
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	12,200	$28.80	$58,900
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN	15,850	$28.51	$58,870
Western Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	1,680	$25.63	$52,190
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	2,140	$25.79	$52,670
North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	2,120	$27.20	$56,300
Eastern Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	1,910	$25.04	$51,240

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data

Best RN Programs in Tennessee

TN Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org

Ranked Schools: 16

Evaluated Schools: 16

One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Tennessee’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs Tennessee.

With more than 16 Tennessee associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 16 ADN degree programs in the Tennessee. Research the best BSN Degrees Tennessee.

For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.

RANKED 1

ADN

Overall Score: 4.876197.52%

Chattanooga State Community College

4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN - 37406-1097
(423) 697-4400

Chattanooga State Community College is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Baroness Erlanger Nursing Program offers an AAS in nursing; this program is subdivided into day and night programs. They also offer an AAS Transition track, which is available to LPNs and paramedics. Paramedics are accepted into the night program, and are accepted on even-numbered years.

Campus: Chattanooga, TN
Net Price: $7,902.00
Enrollment: 9,910
Transfer Out Rate: 13.10%
Loan Default Rate: 24.00%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 5.29%
Graduation Rate: 8.30%
Median Borrowing: $8,531.00
Median Payment: $89.07
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 2

ADN

Overall Score: 4.874197.48%

Jackson State Community College

2046 North Pky, Jackson, TN - 38301-3797
(731) 424-3520

Jackson State Community College is located in Jackson, Tennessee. The average RN program requires 60 credits and their RN program requires 65 for degree completion. They offer an RN program and an LPN Mobility option, allowing the LPN advanced placement into the program.

Campus: Jackson, TN
Net Price: $9,107.00
Enrollment: 4,587
Transfer Out Rate: 8.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -8.56%
Graduation Rate: 10.00%
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 3

ADN

Overall Score: 4.8196.00%

Nashville State Community College

120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN - 37209-4515
(615) 353-3333

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $6,088.00
Enrollment: 10,007
Transfer Out Rate: 16.40%
Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 23.64%
Graduation Rate: 12.20%
Median Borrowing: $8,250.00
Median Payment: $86.14
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 4

ADN

Overall Score: 4.772195.44%

Motlow State Community College

6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN - 37388
(931) 393-1500

Motlow State Community College is located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. They offer an AAS – Two-Year Path to RN ad AAS – One-Year Path, LPN to RN. They also have articulation programs in place so that students may elect to transfer to a four-year university after graduation.

Campus: Tullahoma, TN
Net Price: $8,012.00
Enrollment: 4,900
Transfer Out Rate: 16.10%
Loan Default Rate: 22.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 4.24%
Graduation Rate: 16.40%
Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
Median Payment: $36.54
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 5

ADN

Overall Score: 4.635192.70%

Roane State Community College

276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN - 37748
(865) 354-3000

Campus: Harriman, TN
Net Price: $8,620.00
Enrollment: 6,214
Transfer Out Rate: 21.10%
Loan Default Rate: 17.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 7.27%
Graduation Rate: 17.00%
Median Borrowing: $7,781.00
Median Payment: $81.24
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 6

ADN

Overall Score: 4.624192.48%

Pellissippi State Community College

10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN - 37933-0990
(865) 694-6400

Pellissippi State Community College is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. They offer an RN degree with a traditional pathway and a bridge pathway; the bridge pathway allows LPNs and EMT-P students to enter the program during the summer semester. This program is offered at three of Pellissippi’s campuses: Blount County, Magnolia Avenue, and Strawberry Plains campuses.

Campus: Knoxville, TN
Net Price: $8,485.00
Enrollment: 10,704
Transfer Out Rate: 8.40%
Loan Default Rate: 19.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -13.61%
Graduation Rate: 21.80%
Median Borrowing: $7,250.00
Median Payment: $75.70
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 7

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.602192.04%

Lincoln Memorial University

6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN - 37752-9900
(423) 869-3611

Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. They offer a variety of undergraduate options for their nursing students – an ASN program, a BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered completely online.

Campus: Harrogate, TN
Net Price: $14,576.00
Enrollment: 1,713
Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.20%
Graduation Rate: 47.50%
Median Borrowing: $15,250.00
Median Payment: $159.23
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 8

ADN

Overall Score: 4.5815191.63%

Walters State Community College

500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN - 37813-6899
(423) 585-2600

Campus: Morristown, TN
Net Price: $4,575.00
Enrollment: 6,265
Transfer Out Rate: 10.10%
Loan Default Rate: 19.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 1.49%
Graduation Rate: 15.50%
Median Borrowing: $4,570.00
Median Payment: $47.72
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 9

ADN

Overall Score: 4.5295190.59%

Dyersburg State Community College

1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN - 38024-2411
(731) 286-3200

Campus: Dyersburg, TN
Net Price: $9,430.00
Enrollment: 3,258
Transfer Out Rate: 8.70%
Loan Default Rate: 22.60%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 10.15%
Graduation Rate: 7.40%
Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
Median Payment: $36.54
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 10

ADN

Overall Score: 4.5165190.33%

Columbia State Community College

1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN - 38401
(931) 540-2730

Columbia State Community College is located in Columbia College. They offer both an RN program and an LPN to RN Bridge Program. They also offer a 3+1 partnership with Middle Tennessee State University, which allows RN to complete general education requirements at Columbia State, with the final year being completed at MTSU.

Campus: Columbia, TN
Net Price: $6,518.00
Enrollment: 5,225
Transfer Out Rate: 16.60%
Loan Default Rate: 17.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 5.18%
Graduation Rate: 18.50%
Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
Median Payment: $73.09
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 11

ADN

Overall Score: 4.4575189.15%

Northeast State Community College

2425 Hwy 75, Blountville, TN - 37617-0246
(423) 323-3191

Campus: Blountville, TN
Net Price: $6,598.00
Enrollment: 5,893
Transfer Out Rate: 7.10%
Loan Default Rate: 23.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -7.94%
Graduation Rate: 13.40%
Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
Median Payment: $57.43
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 12

ADN

Overall Score: 4.226184.52%

Southern Adventist University

4881 Taylor Cir, Collegedale, TN - 37315-0370
(423) 236-2000

Campus: Collegedale, TN
Net Price: $20,343.00
Enrollment: 2,825
Transfer Out Rate: 19.80%
Loan Default Rate: 6.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 4.99%
Graduation Rate: 53.60%
Median Borrowing: $21,565.00
Median Payment: $225.16
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 13

ADN

Overall Score: 4.213184.26%

Southwest Tennessee Community College

737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38103
(901) 333-5000

Southwest Tennessee Community College is located in Memphis, Tennessee. STCC offers an AAS in Nursing: Generic Track and LPN Mobility Track. STCC has nationally ranked for their degree programs for minorities and African Americans, such as “number one in the top 100 Associate Degree producers for total minorities in business operations support and assistant services – Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 2014” and “number two in the top 100 Associate Degree producers for African-Americans in business operations support and assistant services – Diverse: Issues in High Education, 2014.”

Campus: Memphis, TN
Net Price: $5,121.00
Enrollment: 10,817
Transfer Out Rate: 8.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 45.03%
Graduation Rate: 5.70%
Median Borrowing: $2,500.00
Median Payment: $26.10
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 14

ADN

Overall Score: 4.211184.22%

Cleveland State Community College

3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN - 37312
(423) 472-7141

Campus: Cleveland, TN
Net Price: $5,501.00
Enrollment: 3,790
Transfer Out Rate: 10.70%
Loan Default Rate: 18.00%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -3.44%
Graduation Rate: 12.70%
Median Borrowing: $7,083.00
Median Payment: $73.95
Award Levels: Associate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 15

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 3.8095176.19%

Aquinas College

4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN - 37205
( ) -

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $20,153.00
Enrollment: 505
Loan Default Rate: 8.00%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 10.65%
Graduation Rate: 41.40%
Median Borrowing: $22,849.00
Median Payment: $238.57
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 16

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 3.602172.04%

Tennessee State University

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $8,038.00
Enrollment: 6,816
Transfer Out Rate: 19.50%
Loan Default Rate: 11.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 21.35%
Graduation Rate: 29.10%
Median Borrowing: $18,930.00
Median Payment: $197.65
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Ranked Schools: 28

Evaluated Schools: 29

With more than 29 Tennessee BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 29 BSN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best ADN Programs in Tennessee.

For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.

RANKED 1

BSN

Overall Score: 4.9555199.11%

The University of Tennessee-Martin

544 University Street, Martin, TN - 38238-0002
(731) 881-7000

The University of Tennessee – Martin is located in Martin, Tennessee. UTM offers a traditional BSN program and an online BSN program. UTM also recognizes nursing student excellent with Sigma Theta Tau (Pi Tau Chapter), which is an international honor society for nursing.

Campus: Martin, TN
Net Price: $7,531.00
Enrollment: 7,025
Loan Default Rate: 13.10%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: -3.11%
Graduation Rate: 46.50%
Median Borrowing: $15,718.00
Median Payment: $164.11
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 2

BSN

Overall Score: 4.7945195.89%

Tennessee Technological University

1 William L. Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN - 38505-0001
(931) 372-3223

Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and an RN to BSN program. Their RN to BSN program is an online program and is one of the most affordable options available, at $365 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $661 per credit hour for non-resident students.

Campus: Cookeville, TN
Net Price: $12,389.00
Enrollment: 10,052
Transfer Out Rate: 22.40%
Loan Default Rate: 8.70%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 9.56%
Graduation Rate: 50.60%
Median Borrowing: $11,128.00
Median Payment: $116.19
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 3

BSN

Overall Score: 4.7925195.85%

Bethel University

325 Cherry Ave, McKenzie, TN - 38201
(731) 352-4000

Campus: McKenzie, TN
Net Price: $17,573.00
Enrollment: 5,124
Loan Default Rate: 10.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 10.90%
Graduation Rate: 30.20%
Median Borrowing: $12,662.00
Median Payment: $132.21
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 4

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 4.7535195.07%

Lincoln Memorial University

6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN - 37752-9900
(423) 869-3611

Campus: Harrogate, TN
Net Price: $14,576.00
Enrollment: 1,713
Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.20%
Graduation Rate: 47.50%
Median Borrowing: $15,250.00
Median Payment: $159.23
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 5

BSN

Overall Score: 4.7295194.59%

Austin Peay State University

601 College St, Clarksville, TN - 37044
(931) 221-7011

Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. The traditional program is for pre-licensure students and students with a prior bachelor’s degree. The online program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Campus: Clarksville, TN
Net Price: $10,983.00
Enrollment: 9,550
Transfer Out Rate: 13.60%
Loan Default Rate: 13.70%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 6.67%
Graduation Rate: 36.00%
Median Borrowing: $16,750.00
Median Payment: $174.89
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 6

BSN

Overall Score: 4.715194.30%

Carson-Newman University

1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, TN - 37760
(865) 471-2000

Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. They offer two avenues towards a nursing degree – the traditional BSN degree, which is 8 semesters over 4 years, or the accelerated BSN degree, which is 8 continuous semesters.

Campus: Jefferson City, TN
Net Price: $14,312.00
Enrollment: 1,713
Loan Default Rate: 10.30%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 0.85%
Graduation Rate: 49.50%
Median Borrowing: $17,250.00
Median Payment: $180.11
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 7

BSN

Overall Score: 4.687193.74%

Union University

1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN - 38305-3697
(731) 668-1818

Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee, with 2 other campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. They are proud to boas that their student to faculty ratio is 10:1 and 85% of their faculty have the highest degree possible in their field. Their nursing program offers state-of-the-art equipment to practice skills and the opportunity to take ministry trips internationally. They offer a traditional BSN program, an LPN to BSN program, which takes two years to complete, an RN to BSN program, which is completed online in 8 months, and a First Step to BSN program, which is designed for adult learners with little college experience, readying them for the accelerated BSN program. The ABSN program is designed for students of the First Step program and students with prior bachelor’s degree.

Campus: Jackson, TN
Net Price: $21,944.00
Enrollment: 2,826
Loan Default Rate: 4.10%
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -6.16%
Graduation Rate: 63.60%
Median Borrowing: $20,750.00
Median Payment: $216.65
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 8

BSN

Overall Score: 4.611192.22%

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
(423) 425-4111

The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They offer several nursing options – they offer an on-campus BSN program and an RN-BSN Gateway program; the gateway program is 100% online, is four semesters in length and takes 16 months to complete. Students are accepted in two cohorts each year, beginning in either January or August.

Campus: Chattanooga, TN
Net Price: $11,569.00
Enrollment: 10,297
Loan Default Rate: 8.90%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 9.20%
Graduation Rate: 37.10%
Median Borrowing: $12,400.00
Median Payment: $129.47
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 9

BSN

Overall Score: 4.611192.22%

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
(423) 425-4111

Campus: Chattanooga, TN
Net Price: $12,390.00
Enrollment: 10,159
Loan Default Rate: 10.60%
Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 15.72%
Graduation Rate: 38.20%
Median Borrowing: $12,212.00
Median Payment: $140.54
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 10

BSN

Overall Score: 4.5535191.07%

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN - 37996
(865) 974-1000

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. UTK offers several tracks for their BSN students – they have a BSN program, an accelerated track, for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN track.

Campus: Knoxville, TN
Net Price: $16,062.00
Enrollment: 21,182
Loan Default Rate: 6.00%
Programs: Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 16.75%
Graduation Rate: 67.50%
Median Borrowing: $17,000.00
Median Payment: $177.50
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 11

BSN

Overall Score: 4.5535191.07%

The University of Tennessee

527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN - 37996
(865) 974-1000

Campus: Knoxville, TN
Net Price: $15,298.00
Enrollment: 20,916
Loan Default Rate: 8.10%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 4.71%
Graduation Rate: 66.10%
Median Borrowing: $16,375.00
Median Payment: $188.44
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 12

BSN

Overall Score: 4.5295190.59%

East Tennessee State University

, Johnson City, TN - 37614-0000
(423) 439-1000

Campus: Johnson City, TN
Net Price: $15,236.00
Enrollment: 11,820
Transfer Out Rate: 23.00%
Loan Default Rate: 12.40%
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 12.55%
Graduation Rate: 41.30%
Median Borrowing: $15,750.00
Median Payment: $164.45
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 13

BSN

Overall Score: 4.45189.00%

Middle Tennessee State University

1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN - 37132
(615) 898-2300

Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program. MTSU has multiple simulation labs where students may practice their nursing skills; the labs have low-, medium- and high-fidelity simulators that mimic real-life situations.

Campus: Murfreesboro, TN
Net Price: $9,315.00
Enrollment: 21,162
Transfer Out Rate: 18.30%
Loan Default Rate: 11.60%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 6.06%
Graduation Rate: 45.60%
Median Borrowing: $16,026.00
Median Payment: $167.33
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 14

BSN

Overall Score: 4.4465188.93%

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences

1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN - 38104
(901) 572-2468

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is located in Memphis, Tennessee. The college seeks to educate healthcare professionals, from nurses to respiratory therapists. They offer a traditional BSN program, which utilizes plenty of hands on experience in simulation labs to practice nursing skills, or an RN to BSN program, where the learner can choose an online program or a blended program – a mixture between online and hands-on learning.

Campus: Memphis, TN
Net Price: $8,885.00
Enrollment: 1,101
Loan Default Rate: 5.90%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -41.18%
Graduation Rate: 38.80%
Median Borrowing: $23,582.00
Median Payment: $246.22
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 15

BSN

Overall Score: 4.435188.70%

University of Memphis

Southern Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38152
(901) 678-2000

University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee. The Loewenberg College of Nursing. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated option for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, and an online RN to BSN program. They also offer a freshman pre-admission to the BSN program option – students must apply in their senior year of high school. This allows entrance into the program during the second semester of sophomore year, or earlier if the student has AP or dual enrollment credits.

Campus: Memphis, TN
Net Price: $12,060.00
Enrollment: 17,223
Transfer Out Rate: 15.80%
Loan Default Rate: 12.40%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 19.28%
Graduation Rate: 43.20%
Median Borrowing: $19,500.00
Median Payment: $203.60
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 16

BSN

Overall Score: 4.4165188.33%

Tennessee Wesleyan College

204 East College Street, Athens, TN - 37303
(423) 745-7504

Tennessee Wesleyan College is located in Athens, Tennessee. They boast that their student to faculty ratio is 12:1. 92% of their classes have 30 or fewer students. The Fort Sanders Nursing Department has a partnership with Covenant Health and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, providing extensive resources for clinical experience. They offer a BSN degree.

Campus: Athens, TN
Net Price: $11,349.00
Enrollment: 1,068
Loan Default Rate: 9.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -2.04%
Graduation Rate: 44.40%
Median Borrowing: $16,200.00
Median Payment: $169.15
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 17

BSN

Overall Score: 4.402188.04%

Belmont University

1900 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37212-3757
(615) 460-6000

Belmont University is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont was named as the “Most Innovative” university by US News & World Report. It is a Christian university that “…brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.” They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $30,357.00
Enrollment: 5,506
Transfer Out Rate: 25.20%
Loan Default Rate: 1.90%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 11.26%
Graduation Rate: 68.00%
Median Borrowing: $27,000.00
Median Payment: $281.91
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 18

BSN

Overall Score: 4.376187.52%

South College

3904 Lonas Road, Knoxville, TN - 37909-0000
(865) 251-1800

South College is located in Knoxville, although they do have several other campuses. They offer an ADN degree at an outlying campus. At their Knoxville campus, they offer a BSN program. Online, they offer the RN to BSN program. Students that are out-of-state are eligible for the RN to BSN program, although clinical experiences must meet certain requirements so not all facilities may be eligible.

Campus: Knoxville, TN
Net Price: $26,647.00
Enrollment: 710
Transfer Out Rate: 7.40%
Loan Default Rate: 18.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private For-Profit
Net Price Change: 6.05%
Graduation Rate: 29.60%
Median Borrowing: $18,154.00
Median Payment: $189.55
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 19

BSN

Overall Score: 4.2575185.15%

Lipscomb University

One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN - 37204-3951
(615) 966-1000

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $22,243.00
Enrollment: 2,890
Loan Default Rate: 3.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 11.46%
Graduation Rate: 64.00%
Median Borrowing: $16,990.00
Median Payment: $177.39
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 20

BSN

Overall Score: 4.235184.70%

Cumberland University

1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN - 37087
(615) 444-2562

Campus: Lebanon, TN
Net Price: $17,147.00
Enrollment: 1,269
Transfer Out Rate: 49.50%
Loan Default Rate: 8.40%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.15%
Graduation Rate: 37.10%
Median Borrowing: $18,750.00
Median Payment: $195.77
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 21

BSN

Overall Score: 4.1905183.81%

Milligan College

1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan College, TN - 37682
(423) 461-8700

Campus: Milligan College, TN
Net Price: $17,371.00
Enrollment: 973
Loan Default Rate: 2.80%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 9.67%
Graduation Rate: 52.10%
Median Borrowing: $23,000.00
Median Payment: $240.15
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 22

BSN

Overall Score: 4.0445180.89%

Freed-Hardeman University

158 E Main St, Henderson, TN - 38340-2399
(800) 348-3481

Campus: Henderson, TN
Net Price: $18,966.00
Enrollment: 1,385
Loan Default Rate: 8.20%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 12.75%
Graduation Rate: 51.70%
Median Borrowing: $23,979.00
Median Payment: $250.37
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 23

BSN

Overall Score: 3.828176.56%

King University

1350 King College Rd, Bristol, TN - 37620-2699
(423) 968-1187

Campus: Bristol, TN
Net Price: $18,108.00
Enrollment: 2,191
Loan Default Rate: 5.50%
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Hybrid

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 5.54%
Graduation Rate: 51.60%
Median Borrowing: $17,892.00
Median Payment: $186.81
Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE

RANKED 24

BSN

Overall Score: 3.828176.56%

King College

1350 King College Rd, Bristol, TN - 37620-2699
(423) 968-1187

Campus: Bristol, TN
Net Price: $17,077.00
Enrollment: 1,963
Loan Default Rate: 8.30%
Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Online

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 15.78%
Graduation Rate: 49.30%
Median Borrowing: $15,500.00
Median Payment: $178.37
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 25

BSN

Overall Score: 3.737174.74%

Trevecca Nazarene University

333 Murfreesboro Rd, Nashville, TN - 37210
(615) 248-1200

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $16,513.00
Enrollment: 1,492
Loan Default Rate: 4.30%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 2.96%
Graduation Rate: 46.60%
Median Borrowing: $18,500.00
Median Payment: $193.16
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

RANKED 26

BSN

Overall Score: 3.348166.96%

Tusculum College

60 Shiloh Road, Greeneville, TN - 37743
(423) 636-7300

Campus: Greeneville, TN
Net Price: $17,886.00
Enrollment: 1,844
Loan Default Rate: 11.40%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 14.00%
Graduation Rate: 33.90%
Median Borrowing: $21,662.00
Median Payment: $226.18
Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED 27

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: 3.1555163.11%

Tennessee State University

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $8,038.00
Enrollment: 6,816
Transfer Out Rate: 19.50%
Loan Default Rate: 11.50%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Public
Net Price Change: 21.35%
Graduation Rate: 29.10%
Median Borrowing: $18,930.00
Median Payment: $197.65
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): ACEN

RANKED 28

BSN

Overall Score: 2.8335156.67%

Martin Methodist College

433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN - 38478-2799
(931) 363-9800

Campus: Pulaski, TN
Net Price: $13,451.00
Enrollment: 1,144
Transfer Out Rate: 12.60%
Loan Default Rate: 21.70%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus, Online

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: -0.44%
Graduation Rate: 42.80%
Median Borrowing: $12,000.00
Median Payment: $125.29
Award Levels: Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s): CCNE

RANKED N/A*

ADN / BSN

Overall Score: N/A*

Aquinas College

4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN - 37205
( ) -

Campus: Nashville, TN
Net Price: $20,153.00
Enrollment: 505
Loan Default Rate: 8.00%
Programs: Registered Nursing
Offered as: Campus

Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Net Price Change: 10.65%
Graduation Rate: 41.40%
Median Borrowing: $22,849.00
Median Payment: $238.57
Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Program Accreditation(s):

Helpful Nursing Resources

Tennessee Registered Nursing Salaries

Chattanooga has the highest amount of registered nurses employed across the state. In addition, Chattanooga also has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.

Area name	Employment	Hourly mean wage	Annual median wage
Chattanooga, TN-GA	5,850	$27.72	$57,670
Clarksville, TN-KY	1,490	$27.70	$57,600
Cleveland, TN	570	$24.95	$52,420
Jackson, TN	2,000	$24.86	$49,570
Johnson City, TN	2,700	$26.63	$54,980
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA	2,600	$24.80	$49,900
Knoxville, TN	6,970	$25.93	$54,310
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	12,200	$28.80	$58,900
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN	15,850	$28.51	$58,870
Western Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	1,680	$25.63	$52,190
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	2,140	$25.79	$52,670
North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	2,120	$27.20	$56,300
Eastern Tennessee nonmetropolitan area	1,910	$25.04	$51,240

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data

RN Programs in Tennessee

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