Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Need to find a nursing school in Memphis or another city in Tennessee? You’re in luck. Nursing is a calling that’s not be suited for everyone. For those that feel inclined toward nursing, it’s important to find a great nursing program in your locality that’s going to offer you the education and chance for advancement that you need. For those that are thinking of becoming a nurse, the median pay for a nurse in the state of Tennessee is $60,050 per year. Which of the many nursing schools in Tennessee will you choose?

The outlook for employment for nurses is high and offers those that pursue nursing the chance to gain employment at nearly any medical facility in the United States or in the area in which they are licensed. There is a range of nursing programs to choose from including ADN which is a two-year program, LPN which is a two-year program, RN which is often a four-year program, and a variety of specialty nursing programs like DNP and more. You can also specialize your nursing degree with both two-year and four-year degrees depending on what electives you choose to take.

There are a wide range of benefits for those that choose to take the path of nursing including making a difference, making a great income, and having a huge employment outlook once you attain your degree. Each program has different requirements that should be looked at individually as you determine what program is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a nursing school in Nashville, TN, or another city in the state, you’ll be sure to find an option here.

List of the 50 best nursing schools in Tennessee

1. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – School of Nursing, Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Tennessee and they offer a range of options for students. They offer a traditional on-campus four-year nursing degree as well as a gateway program for those students that are already an RN and want to pursue their BSN. They also offer an MSN program as well as a BSN to DNP and more.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length BSN program with a four-year degree
• Admission Requirements depends on the particular program you choose.
• Tuition is $14,599 for the program
• Accreditation by CCNE

2. Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Tech offers a range of degree options including their most popular, the four year BSN program. The program consists of a four-year degree with a five-semester clinical portion so that students get the best education possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program length BSN along with other degrees
• Admission Requirements depend on the program selected
• Tuition is $14,688
• Accreditation CCNE

3. Bethel University, McKenzie, TN

Bethel offers a range of programs including four year degrees, two year degrees, masters programs and more. They offer both online and in person options for the unique learning styles of each student.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length four years for a BSN
• Admission Requirements general education credits are required for the nursing program
• Tuition is $14,583 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

4. South College, Knoxville, TN

South College offers a range of learning options and offers students the chance to complete classes both online and in person. They also offer a range of degree programs such as a BSN, LPN and more. Students can choose which program fits their needs and their skills.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program length depend on the degree track chosen
• Admission Requirements differ from program to program but all require prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $25,885 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

5. Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga State Community College offers a range of programs but also offers both day and night classes to accommodate all students including those nontraditional students that may have a job. This is a college that works with the student to insure success at every turn.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length depends on the degree path chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but each nursing program requires prerequisite courses to be completed upon entering
• Tuition is $6,971 for the program
• Accreditation SACS

6. Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis, TN

Southwest offers a range of programs including a LPN mobility track that allows nurses that are already working to attain a higher degree. They also offer typical four year degrees and other nursing options so that you can find the program that works best for you and your current situation.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 85%
• Program length depends on the program chosen.
• Admission Requirements vary but students must have their general education credits prior to entering the program
• Tuition is $3,927 for the program
• Accreditation SACS, ACEN

7. Motlow State Community College, Tullahoma, TN

The program offers by Motlow State Community College is a traditional two year degree that affords students the knowledge necessary to complete the NCLEX-RN test.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 75%
• Program length two years
• Admission Requirements, general education credits must be attained
• Tuition is $7,611 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

8. University of Tennessee – Martin, Martin, TN

The University of Tennessee – Martin offers a range of program options so that students can find the program that best fits their needs.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements, they vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses prior to applying
• Tuition is $10,430
• Accreditation ACEN

9. Jackson State Community College, Jackson, TN

Jackson State Community College offers a range of programs including LPN-RN, RN and more. They offer classes that suit a variety of schedules so that you can choose the program that works best for you.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 96%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but general education credits are required for all programs
• Tuition is $7,383 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

10. Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay offers a range of degrees including a BSN, ASN, and an MSN program. The programs offer a great variety of learning techniques to help prepare students for their future careers are nurses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 92%
• Program length Depends on the program that is selected
• Admission Requirements, all programs require that students meet the minimum requirements for grades and that they have completed prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $12,688 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

11. Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN

Pellissippi State is another one of the best nursing schools in Tennessee. They offer a few different options when it comes to nursing programs, including a traditional BSN that lasts four years, a bridge to RN program for those that already have certification, and a traditional nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 89%
• Program length varies with the longest degree being a four year degree
• Admission Requirements vary but all students are required to have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $6,787 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

12. Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN

Columbia State offers a fully accredited LPN to RN bridge program for those students that already have certification and simply want to get their full license. They offer classes that are both in-person and online to help accommodate students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 87%
• Program length, this is a two year program
• Admission Requirements, students must have their prerequisite courses and must be an LPN
• Tuition is $6,806 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

13. University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

The University of Memphis offers three different nursing programs like the accelerated BSN, the traditional BSN, and an MSN program for those that have their BSN and want a further certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 85%
• Program length depends on the program chosen but the longest program is the BSN program
• Admission Requirements differ from program to program but all students must have their prerequisite classes completed.
• Tuition is $8,903 per year for in-state students and $20,615 for out-of-state students
• Accreditation CCNE

14. University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee offers three different options when it comes to their nursing degrees. The first is a traditional BSN, then an accelerated BSN, and an MSN degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 89%
• Program length varies but the shortest degree is the 12 month accelerated BSN, the traditional BSN is four years.
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must be admitted to the university and must have their prerequisite courses completed.
• Tuition is $12,436 for in-state students and $30,856 for out-of-state students
• Accreditation CCNE

15. Carson Newman University, Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman offers a fully online RN/BSN program so that you can get your degree without having to go to campus. They also offer an MSN program for those students that are already nurses and simply want an even higher degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Program length varies depending on the program chosen. The traditional degree is four years
• Admission Requirements vary depending on the program but all students are required to have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $18,110 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

16. Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University offers a huge selection of nursing degrees from an ASN, to a traditional BSN to an online RN to BSN, also an MSN program as well. You can also further specialize your degree by choosing your focus once you are accepted.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program length varies depending on the program that you choose
• Admission Requirements are different for each program but students must meet the minimum GPA requirement and have prerequisite courses completed for all degree programs
• Tuition is $16,276 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

17. Fortis Institute in Nashville, Nashville, TN

Fortis Institute in Nashville offers an associate nursing degree and offers online classes. This means that students can take classes while working to complete their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate is 88%
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements, students must have prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $26,329 for the program
• Accreditation ABHES

18. Union University, Jackson, TN

Union offers both a traditional in-person BSN as well as an accelerated BSN program. They also have online options that allow nurses to get their degree faster and get to work.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program length, the accelerated program runs for 15 months
• Admission Requirements, must pass the entrance exam, have prerequisite courses completed, and meet the GPA requirements
• Tuition is $25,759 for the entire program
• Accreditation CCNE

19. University of Tennessee – Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, TN

The University of Tennessee is one of the first recognized for nursing in the United States and offers the BSN program as well as an MSN program

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length, four-year degree
• Admission Requirements, students must meet GPA and entrance requirements as well as have completed prerequisite courses.
• Tuition is $33,692 per year for in-state students and $66,784 for out-of-state students
• Accreditation CCNE

20. Baptist College of Health Sciences, Memphis, TN

This Christ-oriented college offers a BSN, RN to BSN, as well as a DNP degree for students. They work to make sure that students are not only prepared to be fantastic nurses but also that they are prepared to do so while keeping Christian values in mind.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 89%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $9,626 for the program per year
• Accreditation CCNE

21. Belmont University, Nashville, TN

Belmont University offers both undergraduate nursing degrees as well as graduate degrees so that you can find the degree that fits your current education level.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 83%
• Program length varies depending on what program is chosen
• Admission Requirements vary depending on what program is chosen
• Tuition is $34,678 for the program per year
• Accreditation CCNE

22. Milligan College, Milligan College, TN

The main degree program for Milligan College is an online RN to BSN program that allows students to get a higher degree while still working as an RN. They also offer a traditional BSN.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 87%
• Program length depends on what level of education you have already acquired
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $19,018 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

23. King University, Bristol, TN

King University offers a BSN program that prepares students not only to take the NCLEX-RN test but also to walk the path of a prepared and ready nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 73%
• Program length, four-year nursing program
• Admission Requirements, students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $18,918 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

24. Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University offers a range of programs for students including a BS nursing degree, an AS/LPN-RN degree, and online options. These programs are both online and in person and offer students the chance to earn their degree in their own time.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 82%
• Program length varies depending on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary depending on the program chosen but all students must be admitted to the college and pass an entrance exam
• Tuition is $21,540 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

25. University of Tennessee, Jackson, TN

The program offered at the University of Tennessee is a BSN program that has both online and in person components and offers students a wide range of options when it comes to learning outcomes.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program length depends on how much you have already completed
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $25,759 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

26. University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

The University of Memphis offers a BSN, Accelerated BSN, and an MSN degree. Students have access to a variety of learning tools and have experienced teachers to help them through challenging but rewarding content.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 85%
• Program length is 41 hours of general education, 66 hours of major-specific content
• Admission Requirements vary but students must complete their prerequisites before they can be admitted to the program.
• Tuition is $13,291
• Accreditation CCNE

27. Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University offers only a traditional BSN but they do offer a range of specialized courses you can take as well as very high tech and state of the art equipment for students to utilize. They are also launching an online RN to BSN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 93%
• Program length for the traditional degree is 4 years and the RN to BSN is 18 months
• Admission Requirements are that students must be admitted to the college and must have completed prerequisite classes
• Tuition is $23,426 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

28. Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, TN

Currently, Tennessee Wesleyan College only offers the BSN program but it does have enough general courses within the program that you can easily transfer to another university for a further degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 89%
• Program length is a traditional four-year degree
• Admission Requirements are that you must be admitted to the college and that you take your prerequisite courses.
• Tuition is $12,329 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

29. Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University offers a BSN degree as well as an MSN degree and works to prepare students for all eventual outcomes. Students can take courses at their own pace to obtain their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 81%
• Program length is dependent on the program you choose but the BSN program is 8 semesters, the RN to BSN program depends on what courses you have, and the MSN degree also depends on what courses you already have done
• Admission Requirements vary by program
• Tuition is $20,753 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

30. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN

Christian Brothers University offers an RN to BSN program as well as a Physician’s Assistant program.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length depends on the program and on how much you have completed prior to admission
• Admission Requirements vary but students must have prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $16,660
• Accreditation CCNE

31. Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

Freed-Hardeman University currently offers a BSN program that prepares students for a career in nursing and prepares them for the challenges they may face as a nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 78%
• Program length is that of a traditional four-year degree
• Admission Requirements students must be admitted to the university and must pass an entrance exam to the program
• Tuition is $16,492 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

32. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University offers both a BSN and an MSN degree that allows students the chance to complete one degree and seamlessly move into the next if they wish.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 87%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements depend on the program chosen
• Tuition is $11,744 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

33. Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, TN

The most popular program at Martin Methodist College is an RN to BSN program that allows students to take their RN degree to a four year BSN degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 54%
• Program length depends on how much you have completed prior to admission
• Admission Requirements are that students must already be an RN
• Tuition is $24,450 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

34. Tusculum University, Greenville, TN

Tusculum University offers both a typical RN to BSN program as well as several specialized post graduate nursing degrees.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 50%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements varies but all students must be admitted to the college and meet minimum GPA requirements
• Tuition is $24,450 for the program
• Accreditation

35. East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University offers a range of different degrees and works with students after graduation to help with job placement.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition is $14,915 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

36. Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

Tennessee State University offers a large number of different programs including BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and ASN. These are all very competitive programs that offer students a great deal of information and learning opportunities.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition is $9,614 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

37. Lee University, Cleveland, TN

Lee University offers a BSN traditional program that prepares students for a career in the fast-paced world of a nurse.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is a traditional four-year degree
• Admission Requirements are that students must be admitted to the university and must have completed their prerequisite courses.
• Tuition is $16,789 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

38. Nashville State Community College, Nashville, TN

Nashville State Community College offers an associate of applied science nursing or an AAS degree. They offer both classroom and real-world teaching methods.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program length is a two-year program
• Admission Requirements are that students are admitted to the college and meet the minimum requirements set forth by the program.
• Tuition is $3,400 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

39. Northeast State Community College, Blountville, TN

Northeast State Community College offers two options for students, a traditional four-year nursing BSN or an LPN to RN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 87%
• Program length is the BSN is four years, and LPN to RN is three semesters
• Admission Requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition is $5,119 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

40. Walters State Community College, Morristown, TN

Walters State Community College currently only offers an associate nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements are that students are admitted to the university and meet minimum GPA and class requirements of the program
• Tuition is $4,192 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

41. Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN

Roane State Community College offers an associate degree in nursing and offers students the chance to use state of the art equipment to earn their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements are that students meet the minimum requirements of the program and have the necessary grades and prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $7,849 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

42. Cleveland State Community College, Cleveland, TN

Cleveland State Community College offers an RN program and allows students to learn in a variety of ways.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 82%
• Program length depends on how much you have completed upon entering the program
• Admission Requirements are that students be accepted to the college and meet minimum grade and class requirements.
• Tuition is $4,481 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

43. Concorde Career College, Memphis, TN

The program offered by Concorde Career College is a two-year program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements are that students meet minimum grade and class requirements.
• Tuition is $18,174 for the program
• Accreditation

44. Dyersburg State Community College, Dyersburg, TN

Dyersburg State Community College offers an AAS as well as an advanced standing LPN-RN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program length the AAS is a two-year program
• Admission Requirements are that students meet the minimum grade and class requirement for the program
• Tuition is $6,018 for the program
• Accreditation ACEN

45. Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a traditional BSN program that takes four years to complete.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 82%
• Program length is four years for the BSN
• Admission Requirements are that students are admitted to the university and that they have completed their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $17,898 for the program
• Accreditation CCNE

46. Tennessee Technology Center at Knoxville, Knoxville, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at Knoxville offers a two-year program for an AAS as well as LPN programs.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements is that students are admitted to the college and that they have met minimum GPA and class requirement.
• Tuition is $8,379 for the program
• Accreditation

47. Tennessee Technology Center at McMinnville, McMinnville, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at McMinnville offers a two-year nursing program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements is that students are admitted to the college and that they have met minimum GPA and class requirement.
• Tuition is $10,272 for the program
• Accreditation

48. Tennessee Technology Center at Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at Murfreesboro offers a two-year practical nursing degree that is an AAS.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is two years
• Admission Requirements is that students are admitted to the college and that they have met minimum GPA and class requirement.
• Tuition is $10,308 for the program
• Accreditation

49. Tennessee Technology Center at Livingston, Livingston, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at Livingston offers a practical nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length is two years or less depending on how many classes you take at once.
• Admission Requirements is that students are admitted to the college and that they have met minimum GPA and class requirement.
• Tuition is $5,532 for the program
• Accreditation

50. Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern, Newbern, TN

Tennessee Technology Center at Newbern offers a practical nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program length two years
• Admission Requirements is that students are admitted to the college and that they have met minimum GPA and class requirement.
• Tuition is $8,587 for the program
• Accreditation

If you represent any of the schools listed here and would like to amend or change the information provided feel free to contact us.

Schools were ranked based on the ease of access for students, NCLEX-RN pass rates, programs offered, and the content of the program. There are a large number of online options for those that feel these options are not for them. The difficulty of the nursing program was not taken into account as programs differ from student to student.

For those that are looking for a chance to change their future, nursing may be the career that is waiting for you. Nursing has the ability to change not only your life but the lives of those you help as well, take a chance and make a commitment today!