Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee
Known for its vibrant music culture and rich history, Tennessee is also a beacon for liberal arts education. The state is home to numerous colleges offering high-quality liberal arts programs. These schools provide a comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and practical communication skills — key competencies in today’s world.
Rhodes College
Located in Memphis, Rhodes College is a private liberal arts college renowned for its rigorous academic programs and engaging community.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Rhodes offers over 50 majors and minors in the liberal arts and sciences. Students can explore English, history, philosophy, biology, and physics disciplines. The college emphasizes small classes, allowing students to enjoy personalized learning experiences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost, including tuition and fees, is approximately $49,000. Rhodes enrolls about 2,000 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1330-1490.
Sewanee – The University of the South
Situated in Sewanee, The University of the South is a private liberal arts college committed to intellectual and personal growth.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Sewanee provides a liberal arts education encompassing humanities, social sciences, arts, and natural sciences. Students can delve into various disciplines, with more than 36 majors and 32 minors available.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $46,000. Sewanee enrolls approximately 1,700 students, with an SAT range of 1180-1360.
Milligan University
Milligan University, located in Milligan College, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for emphasizing faith and learning.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Milligan offers a comprehensive range of liberal arts programs, from humanities and fine arts to social and natural sciences. Its commitment to Christian scholarship informs the curriculum, fostering a unique intellectual and spiritual development blend.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is about $34,000. Milligan has an enrollment of around 1,200 students, with an SAT range of 1060-1280.
Maryville College
Maryville College, based in Maryville, is a private liberal arts college renowned for its robust academic programs and commitment to diversity.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Maryville’s curriculum encompasses literature, history, sociology, psychology, and biology disciplines. The college’s commitment to liberal education ensures students develop a broad understanding of the world around them.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $35,000. Maryville College enrolls about 1,100 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1020-1220.
Freed-Hardeman University
Located in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University is a private Christian university offering diverse academic programs.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Freed-Hardeman provides liberal arts education in English, history, psychology, and biology. Its faith-based curriculum nurtures both intellectual and spiritual growth.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $22,000. The university has an enrollment of roughly 2,000 students, with an SAT range of 1060-1280.
Fisk University
Based in Nashville, Fisk University is a private, historically black university with a strong tradition of liberal arts education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Fisk offers liberal arts programs in English, history, political science, and biology. The university’s commitment to academic excellence ensures students receive a well-rounded education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $22,000. Fisk enrolls around 800 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 930-1080.
Bryan College – Tennessee
In Dayton, Bryan College is a private Christian college known for its faith-integrated curriculum.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Bryan College offers liberal arts programs in literature, history, psychology, and biology. Its curriculum, rooted in the Christian worldview, aims to develop students’ intellectual and spiritual capacities.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $26,000. Bryan College enrolls about 1,500 students, with an SAT range of 1020-1230.
South College – Knoxville
South College, located in Knoxville, is a private institution offering diverse academic programs.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
While it primarily offers professional and technical programs, South College also provides liberal arts education in English, history, and psychology. The college is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $15,000. South College enrolls around 2,600 students with a broad range of SAT scores due to its open admissions policy.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky
In Kentucky, Centre College, Berea College, and Transylvania University stand out for their comprehensive liberal arts offerings. They are recognized for their high academic standards and supportive campus communities.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama
In Alabama, Birmingham-Southern College, Huntingdon College, and Samford University provide a rich selection of liberal arts programs. They are committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia
In Georgia, Emory University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College are renowned for their rigorous liberal arts programs. These colleges offer an enriching academic experience that prepares students for various careers and further study.
What to Do If You Have a Low SAT Score After Your First Attempt
Firstly, don’t panic. Many students don’t achieve their desired score on the first attempt. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Understand Your Mistakes: Review your test to understand where you went wrong. This can help you focus your study efforts.
- Plan Your Study: Set up a schedule for your next attempt. Allocate time to practice different sections of the test.
- Use Prep Resources: Take advantage of SAT prep resources available online and in books. Consider enrolling in an SAT prep course if possible.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Take full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and to improve your time management.
- Consider a Tutor: If you’re struggling with specific sections, a tutor can provide personalized instruction to help you improve.
- Retake the Test: Most students improve their scores on the second attempt. So, sign up for the next test date and give it your best shot.
- Super Scoring: Some colleges use super scoring, which means they consider your highest score from each section across multiple SAT dates.
Remember, your SAT score is just one aspect of your college application. Colleges also consider your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays when making admission decisions.
In conclusion, Tennessee has many excellent liberal arts colleges, each offering a unique blend of academic rigor, community engagement, and personal development opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the tight-knit communities of smaller colleges or the diverse offerings of larger institutions, you’re sure to find a school that fits your educational and personal growth goals.
