Tennessee is widely known for producing country music stars like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. Aside from its musical prominence, Tennessee is widely acclaimed for its educational standards. Choosing to attend one of the best community colleges in Tennessee will help you kickstart your career.
This article provides a list of the top community colleges in Tennessee, the best online colleges in Tennessee, financial aid to help with tuition costs, and how to apply for that financial aid. Our detailed list of programs and schools will help you get started on your academic journey.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Tennessee?
There are 13 community colleges in Tennessee, as stated by the Tennessee Board of Regents website. Each of these institutions offers high-quality, affordable education to students across a wide range of disciplines. Each of these community colleges covers a specific service area.
How Many Community College Districts Are in Tennessee?
There are no community college districts in Tennessee. Tennessee is among several other states that have a state-level board that is responsible for governing tertiary institutions including universities, community colleges, and other two-year campuses.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Tennessee?
The biggest community college in Tennessee is Pellissippi State Community College. Founded in 1974, today the school has about 11,000 students studying across a wide range of disciplines. The college offers online courses and also partners with high schools in the area to offer dual enrollment programs.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Tennessee?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motlow State Community College | 34% | 22:1 |
| 2 | Walters State Community College | 32% | 17:1 |
| 3 | Cleveland State Community College | 31% | 17:1 |
| 4 | Pellissippi State Community College | 30% | 20:1 |
| 5 | Columbia State Community College | 28% | 20:1 |
| 6 | Dyersburg State Community College | 27% | 20:1 |
| 7 | Jackson State Community College | 23% | 19:1 |
| 8 | Chattanooga State Community College | 21% | 14:1 |
| 9 | Nashville State Community College | 19% | 19:1 |
| 10 | Southwest Tennessee Community College | 13% | 17:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Tennessee: Explained
Finding the best undergraduate education may be overwhelming, which is why we have made a list of the best community colleges in Tennessee. You will find important information on the tuition, student population, and some of the popular programs at each school in this section.
Best Online Community Colleges in Tennessee
- Motlow State Community College. Motlow State Community College offers 73 online associate degree, transfer, and certificate programs for students. Learning online is a great idea for students who may not have the opportunity to be physically present in classes. Students will still get a quality education but will do so through the school’s D2L portal.
- Roane State Community College. Roane State Community College offers five associate degrees and two certificate programs online for students who do not wish to attend regular classes on campus. Students that wish to take just a few courses online can also do so at Roane State.
- Northeast State Community College. Northeast State has a wide array of online education for students. Students studying online from a long distance will receive the same quality of education that in-person students enjoy.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Tennessee Community College Rankings
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a community college in Tennessee to attend. If you want to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a more advanced degree after graduating, it is also important to know which schools offer good bachelor’s degree programs. Take a look at our lists below to help you make an informed decision.
Best Community Colleges in Tennessee for Transfer
- Chattanooga State Community College. Chattanooga State offers transfer pathways across various fields including business, arts, natural sciences, and humanities. Upon graduation, students who meet the requirements can transfer to a four-year school such as the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Memphis.
- Dyersburg State Community College. Students who meet the requirements for graduation can transfer across various fields including business, health science, and natural sciences. Transfer schools include Tennessee State University, Freed-Hardeman University, and Johnson University.
- Columbia State Community College. Columbia State students’ can transfer across a variety of fields including arts, humanities, and health science. Students can transfer to four-year schools such as Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University.
Best Community Colleges for Accounting in Tennessee
- Chattanooga State Community College. Students in the accounting program at Chattanooga State will receive training in both the practical and theoretical knowledge of accounting principles and concepts. Students will also learn about accounting procedures, methods, and standards.
- Motlow State Community College. The accounting program at Motlow State allows students to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after graduation. Students will learn about the basic principles of accounting, macroeconomics, and microeconomics. Students may also choose the business accounting concentration, which prepares them for entry-level jobs after college.
- Nashville State Community College. Students may pursue an AS, AAS, or various Certificates in Accounting at NSCC. They learn about accounting concepts and other general knowledge in the field. Candidates that are highly organized, detailed oriented, and hold strong interests in analyzing financial data will find these programs suitable.
Best Tennessee Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- Motlow State Community College. Motlow State works with some universities and colleges to run bachelor’s degree programs on its campuses. Referred to as the “two plus two agreements,” students can complete another two years of study after completing their associate degree program. The student will complete the bachelor’s degree on Motlow’s campus.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Tennessee
The best community colleges in Tennessee have a wide range of quality academic programs that students can pick from. These programs cover a variety of different interests and specializations so you can be sure to find something that suits you. Check out some of the top programs that are popular with students across the state that may also pique your interest.
Accounting
Different community colleges in Tennessee have accounting programs. Students will get to learn about the principles of accounting, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. They also pick up skills such as critical thinking and data analysis. Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees are usually awarded, though some institutions also have certificate programs.
Paralegal Studies
These programs are for students who want to become paralegals or legal assistants. Students can head straight into the workforce after graduation, but most boost their knowledge in the field by pursuing a more advanced degree. There are associate degrees and certificate programs for paralegal studies.
Hospitality Management
Students in a hospitality management program gain real-world experience through internship opportunities with hotels and restaurants within the state. Students gain first-hand knowledge about the different components of restaurant and hotel management. Aspiring hospitality managers can get an associate degree or a certificate.
Nursing
Students who want to work in healthcare can enroll in nursing programs across the state. Many of these programs prepare students for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam means a nurse is ready to head straight into the labor market.
Mass Communication
Many students who hold an interest in mass communication will find reputable institutions to build their foundation on in Tennessee. Students learn about the best practices to ease communication technologies. Many Tennessee colleges offer associate degrees and certificates in this field.
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Tennessee Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a community college in Tennessee include filling out the school application form, submitting letters of recommendation, and getting a high school diploma or equivalent. Students may also be required to submit standardized test scores and have an acceptable high school GPA.
Tennessee Community College GPA Requirements
Most community colleges in Tennessee do not have any specific high school GPA requirement for admission. Some colleges may require a specific GPA for admission to specialized programs. While many community colleges do not have a GPA requirement for students generally, some institutions have set a GPA of 3.20 for high school students taking community college classes for credit.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Tennessee
Individuals who reside in Tennessee are classified as in-state residents, while individuals who do not are classified as out-of-state. Students must have lived in Tennessee for up to one year before applying to be classified as in-state residents.
In-state residents usually have the advantage of paying lesser tuition than out-of-state residents. To borrow an example from Motlow State Community College, in-state residents pay $211/credit hour while out-of-state residents pay $534/credit hour as annual tuition.
Tennessee Community College Age Requirements
The minimum age for application to a community college in Tennessee is 18. Some schools have selective services to allow certain candidates under 18 to apply, with permission from a parent or guardian.
Tennessee Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Submitting application form
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores
- Respectable high school GPA
Why Study in Tennessee?
You should study in Tennessee because the state has excellent schools for students that cover a variety of interests. Tennessee students get to enjoy a cheaper cost of living, the natural environment, and many educational opportunities.
Cost of Living
According to Statista, Tennessee has the ninth-lowest composite cost of living index in the United States as of 2020. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare were among the factors used to calculate these statistics.
Natural Environment
The state of Tennessee has a moderate climate that is cool but not cold. It snows during the winter and the summertime is quite warm. Entertainment like country music and football are popular in Tennessee. There are also natural attractions like lakes, mountains, and rivers that community college students can enjoy.
Educational Opportunities
Tennessee has 13 community colleges and many technical colleges to help students take the first step toward starting a career. Graduates can attend any of the private and public universities in the state to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students who wish to attain a more advanced degree can also do so.
Tennessee Employment Outlook for Community College Students
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the unemployment rate in Tennessee reduced by 1.6 percent in April 2022. There was an increase of 4.7 percent in the employment rate as 145,600 new jobs were created in the state. Students emerging from community colleges in Tennessee can expect to find a job easily after graduation as employment opportunities continue to rise.
5 In-Demand Tennessee Jobs
The best community colleges in Tennessee prepare students to jump straight into the labor force. Some very popular career paths for graduates in the state of Tennessee include food service management, public relations, nursing, accounting, and paralegal services. Let us discuss these career choices below.
What Community Colleges in Tennessee Have Dorms?
Only two community colleges in the state of Tennessee have dorms for students. Although the rest do not have dormitories, some schools like Roane State Community College offer support to students for finding suitable living quarters during their studies.
Students that reside on campus have the benefit of socializing more with other students and do not have to worry about transportation. However, students do not have as much privacy and their freedom may be restricted. In some cases, living on campus can also be very expensive.
Tennessee Community Colleges With Dorms
- Nashville State Community College
- Southwest Community College
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Tennessee?
Intersession classes are short classes that are held for about three to four weeks during the winter period. These courses are very beneficial for students who wish to slightly accelerate their studies. Some of the community colleges in Tennessee that offer intersession classes are listed below.
Tennessee Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Dyersburg State Community College
- Roane State Community College
- Southwest Community College
What Community Colleges in Tennessee Have Summer Classes?
Some community colleges in Tennessee offer summer classes for students. Taking summer classes may be beneficial to students as fewer students will be in school during that period, meaning each student will get more personal attention from professors. It can also allow the student to build good grades and catch up on courses.
Tennessee Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Motlow State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Roane State Community College
How to Apply to Community College in Tennessee
You can apply to a community college by going online to fill out and submit the application form for the school that you wish to attend. After, you must submit any essential documents that may be requested. High school transcripts are mandatory. It is a good idea to review your financial options and apply for financial aid right away.
Tennessee Community College Application Steps
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all official transcripts.
- Submit ACT, SAT, or college placement exam scores if applicable.
- Submit other documentation like an immunization form.
- Apply for financial aid.
Cost of Community Colleges in Tennessee
According to the National Center for Labor Statistics, attending a two-year community college in Tennessee costs $4,379 for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the cost of a community college is $16,937. These costs will vary depending on your program and its format.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Tennessee?
Yes, community colleges can be free in Tennessee. Tennessee Promise allows Tennessee high school graduates from high school students to attend a community college or technical college without paying tuition and any mandatory fees.
The program provides a last-dollar scholarship to students, so all tuition and fees not covered by the HOPE scholarship, Pell grant, or TSAA funds will be covered. The scholarship applies to all community colleges in Tennessee.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Tennessee?
While free education is not directly accessible in any community college in Tennessee, the Tennessee Promise program ensures that beneficiaries can attend any of the 13 community colleges in Tennessee free of all tuition and fee charges. Applicants must meet the requirements and apply to be considered eligible.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Tennessee?
High school seniors from a Tennessee high school or students who have completed a home school program can qualify for free community college through the Tennessee Promise program. The program is open to students of all socioeconomic statuses but students at risk of not getting an education will be specially targeted.
How to Apply for Free Community College in Tennessee
- Prospective students must participate and ensure that all requirements of a Tennessee Promise partnering organization are met.
- Apply during their senior year and meet the application deadlines.
- Attend all scheduled team meetings and take part in the mandatory college orientation.
- Maintain a minimum of 12 hours each semester.
- Maintain acceptable academic progress which is the equivalent of maintaining a 2.0 GPA each semester in most schools.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Tennessee
There are different types of scholarships for community colleges in Tennessee. Each of these opportunities is unique and helps students in varying capacities. Some of these scholarships include the TN HOPE scholarship, General assembly merit scholarship, and Dual enrollment grant.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Tennessee
- Check for eligibility status from an appropriate high school official.
- Fill out and complete the FAFSA application so that your financial status will be obtained.
- Submit your high school transcripts.
- Expect a reply from the scholarship program.
- If successful, you will receive the award either in a private account or it will be sent to your school to cover the cost for which it’s meant.
Tennessee Community College Scholarships List
- TN HOPE Scholarship | Amount: $1,600. This scholarship is funded from the net proceeds of the Tennessee state lottery. Community college students will receive $1,600 per full-time semester during their freshman and sophomore years.
- Middle College Scholarship | $Amount: $2,000. Funded from proceeds obtained from the Tennessee state lottery, students will get a total of $2,000 each semester. It will be given out in two semesters for a total of $4,000.
- Tennessee HOPE Access Grant | $Amount: $925. This scholarship is awarded to school freshmen per full-time semester, including summer. It is funded from the proceeds of the state lottery.
Other Tennessee Community College Financial Aid Options
Students can access other Tennessee community college financial aid options apart from scholarships to help them ease tuition costs. Some of these options include federal and state grants, student loans, loans from private organizations, and work-study jobs.
Federal Grants
The federal government provides several federal grants to ease the costs of education for students. Applicants must fill out the FAFSA form every school year to qualify for these grants. The Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are both solid options.
Tennessee Grants
The Tennessee Office of Finance in conjunction with the US government has provided over $17 million in government grants to students. The Tennessee office has also set aside more than $10 million in other forms of financial aid for students. Students who reside in Tennessee and have citizenship or a permanent resident certificate are eligible for these grants.
Student Loans
A student loan is money that is borrowed to support the educational needs of a student. Recipients of student loans are expected to pay them back. Ensure that you read the terms and conditions of a loan before signing it. You can apply for different types of federal loans including direct subsidized loans, direct unsubsidized loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidation loans.
Work-Study Jobs
Work-study jobs provide part-time employment to students that are enrolled in school. It is available to full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in need of financial aid. Check if your school is a participant in the federal work-study program so that you can apply for a job while schooling.
School and Private Scholarships
Some schools administer their own scholarship programs for students. Nashville State is a good example as the school runs scholarship programs that cut across several disciplines. There are also private organizations that run scholarship programs that cover community college students.
Private Loans
Students can get access to educational loans from private institutions in addition to that offered by the government. Institutions that offer private student loans include banks, credit unions, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. Private student loans usually come with terms and conditions and are more expensive than federal student loans.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Tennessee?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Tennessee include having financial needs and having legal citizenship or a residential permit for non-citizens. Other requirements include enrollment in an accredited program from a recognized school and maintaining a good academic record.
Tennessee Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Proof of financial need.
- Students must be US citizens or legal non-citizens.
- Students must have a valid social security number.
- Students must be enrolled in an eligible program of study and maintain a good academic standard.
Should You Attend Community College in Tennessee?
Yes, you should attend a community college in Tennessee. These top-quality schools provide two-year education across various fields to prepare you for advanced degrees or a job role in the labor market. If you seek a faster education, you can consider going to the best Nashville coding bootcamps, which are convenient and quick.
Tennessee Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Tennessee community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Tennessee Community Colleges FAQ
Community colleges and other tertiary institutions in Tennessee receive funding through different means such as tuition and fees. Other sources of revenue include auxiliary services like bookstores, dormitories, and school medical facilities.
Yes, a student can lose out on the TN Promise program if they fail to attend the team meeting to which they have been assigned. That student will become ineligible permanently unless they complete an excuse form before 72 hours of the meeting.
Tennessee Promise offers two years of tuition-free financial aid to Tennessee students in a community college or a technical college. TN HOPE scholarship is a four-year scholarship program funded by the state lottery and it covers all tertiary schools in the state. It is also not completely tuition-free as recipients will only receive a fixed amount of money every semester.
Yes, you can be successful by attending a Tennessee community college. It may be challenging to find your way through the community college system and transfer to a four-year college, but students that do so usually perform as well as those who started at these four-year schools. You can build a successful career and earn a decent living.
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