Best Private Colleges in Tennessee

In the American Southeast, Tennessee is renowned for its rich musical heritage, stunning landscapes, and prestigious educational institutions. Its private colleges provide diverse programs, from liberal arts to specialized studies, ensuring a holistic education for its students.

Vanderbilt University

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Vanderbilt stands as one of the nation’s top private research institutions.

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Vanderbilt is celebrated for its medicine, law, engineering, and music programs. The university offers a rigorous academic atmosphere with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost is approximately $52,000. Vanderbilt enrolls over 13,000 students, with an SAT range of 1460-1570.

Rhodes College

Located in Memphis, Rhodes College emphasizes liberal arts and sciences.

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Rhodes is well-regarded for its biological sciences, international studies, and business studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition averages around $49,000 annually. The college enrolls about 2,000 students, boasting an SAT range of 1330-1490.

Johnson University

This Christian institution provides a faith-based education in Knoxville.

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Johnson University focuses on programs in religious studies, teacher education, and business management.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost is approximately $16,000. The university has over 1,200 students with an SAT range of 960-1170.

Lipscomb University

Based in Nashville, Lipscomb merges faith with rigorous academics.

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Lipscomb is known for its health sciences, business, and education programs, all grounded in Christian teachings.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Yearly tuition is about $32,000. The university enrolls nearly 4,600 students with an SAT range of 1060-1290.

Union University

Situated in Jackson, Union University is another faith-based institution.

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The university specializes in nursing, education, and business programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost stands at $33,000. With an enrollment of over 3,200 students, the SAT range is 1060-1320.

Sewanee – The University of the South

Nestled atop the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is a liberal arts college with a scenic campus.

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Sewanee is known for its English, history, and biology programs. It also emphasizes creative writing and environmental studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The yearly tuition fee is approximately $46,000. The university has about 1,700 students, with an SAT range of 1190-1380.

Milligan University

Located near Johnson City, Milligan offers Christian-based higher education.

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Milligan provides programs in business, health sciences, and humanities.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is around $34,000, with a student population of over 1,200. The SAT range lies between 1040-1260.

Lincoln Memorial University

Based in Harrogate, LMU offers a range of professional studies.

Information About Private Programs

LMU is mainly known for its medical and law programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The tuition fee stands at about $23,000 per annum. With an enrollment of over 4,800 students, the SAT range is 940-1160.

Christian Brothers University

Located in Memphis, CBU emphasizes Lasallian Catholic education.

Information About Private Programs

CBU specializes in engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition averages around $32,000. The university houses around 2,000 students, with an SAT range of 980-1210.

Trevecca Nazarene University

Situated in Nashville, Trevecca provides a faith-based education.

Information About Private Programs

Trevecca is recognized for its programs in management, music, and health professions.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The yearly cost is about $26,000, with an enrollment of over 3,900 students. The SAT range is 980-1200.

Best Private Colleges in Three Other States

Best Private Colleges in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State offers institutions such as Centre College and Transylvania University, which are renowned for their academic rigor and emphasis on liberal arts.

Best Private Colleges in Alabama

Alabama houses gems like Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College, emphasizing holistic education.

Best Private Colleges in Georgia

Georgia is home to the iconic Emory University and Mercer University, both known for their academic excellence and research contributions.

What to Do If You Have a Low SAT Score After Your First Attempt

A low SAT score is not the end of the road. Students should:

  1. Analyze their mistakes: Understand where you went wrong in the first attempt.
  2. Enroll in a prep course: Consider joining an SAT preparation course for structured learning.
  3. Practice: Take as many mock tests as possible.
  4. Seek help: Reach out to teachers or mentors for guidance.
  5. Retake the test: With better preparation, consider giving the SAT another shot.

In summary, Tennessee’s private colleges offer traditional and contemporary education, ensuring students are well-equipped for future endeavors.