2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Tennessee
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Tennessee? We have ranked 143 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 38 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Tennessee
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Jackson State Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Tennessee. Jackson State Community College is a public school based in Jackson, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,740, while out-of-state students pay about $17,724. Graduates carry a median of $8,553 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,224. Set against $8,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Jackson State Community College report
Out of the 38 schools in Tennessee in this year's value ranking, Volunteer State Community College landed the #2 spot. Volunteer State Community College is a public school based in Gallatin, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,756 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,740. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,150. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Volunteer State Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Healthcare ranking in Tennessee. Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,766, with out-of-state students paying around $17,750. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,406. Southwest Tennessee Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,071 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,406 median debt. Read more about Southwest Tennessee Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Motlow State Community College earned it the #4 place in Tennessee. Set in Tullahoma, TN, Motlow State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,738, while out-of-state students pay about $17,722. Motlow State Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $6,470 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,397 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Motlow State Community College
A rank of #5 makes Dyersburg State Community College one of the best values in Tennessee. Dyersburg State Community College is a public school based in Dyersburg, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,758, compared with $18,060 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,132 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,611 median debt. Get the full Dyersburg State Community College report
Nashville State Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Nashville State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,730, with out-of-state students paying around $17,714. Nashville State Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $16,745 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,519. That is a strong return on a $16,745 median debt. See the full Nashville State Community College profile
Chattanooga State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Chattanooga State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $17,756. Graduates carry a median of $12,079 in student loans. Chattanooga State Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,598 a decade after entry. Set against $12,079 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chattanooga State Community College
Walters State Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morristown, TN, Walters State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,752, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,210. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,085. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walters State Community College
Columbia State Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Columbia, TN, Columbia State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,948, compared with $17,772 for out-of-state students. Columbia State Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,674 in debt. Columbia State Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,256 a decade after entry. Set against $12,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia State Community College
Roane State Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Harriman, TN, Roane State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,998, with out-of-state students paying around $18,630. The median Healthcare program debt is $9,408. Median earnings reach $39,407 ten years out. Set against $9,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Roane State Community College profile
Northeast State Community College landed the #11 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This public school is set in Blountville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $4,782, with out-of-state students paying around $17,766. The median Healthcare program debt is $6,404. Median earnings reach $34,553 ten years out. Set against $6,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast State Community College
Cleveland State Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Cleveland, TN, Cleveland State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,762, compared with $17,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,742 in student loans. Cleveland State Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,671 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cleveland State Community College report
Milligan College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Milligan, TN, Milligan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,450. Students borrow a median of $26,150 to complete their Healthcare program here. Milligan College alumni report median earnings of $46,641 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,150 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Milligan College
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga landed the #14 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $23,324. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Tennessee Technological University landed the #15 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Typical Healthcare student debt is $17,580. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Tennessee Technological University
Middle Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
University Of Memphis ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Healthcare students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of Memphis profile
The University Of Tennessee placed #18 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $22,859. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Tennessee State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. The median Healthcare program debt is $29,489. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Tennessee State University
Bethel University Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit school based in McKenzie, TN. Students from in state pay about $18,712 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,583 to complete their Healthcare program here. Bethel University Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $47,482 a decade after entry. Set against $28,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Bethel University Tennessee profile
Austin Peay State University landed the #21 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Austin Peay State University is a public school based in Clarksville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,301 ten years after entry. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Austin Peay State University
East Tennessee State University placed #22 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Set in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $21,301. East Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $44,859 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,301 median debt. East Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on East Tennessee State University
Trevecca Nazarene University placed #23 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Located in Nashville, TN, Trevecca Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,300. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,962. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. More on Trevecca Nazarene University
Christian Brothers University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Memphis, TN, Christian Brothers University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,420. Christian Brothers University Healthcare students take on a median of $32,416 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,478 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,416 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Christian Brothers University
Union University placed #24 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. The median Healthcare program debt is $28,605. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Union University admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Union University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Tennessee
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lipscomb University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,572. Typical Healthcare student debt is $23,529. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,541 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lipscomb University
Remington College Memphis Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Memphis, TN, Remington College Memphis Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,083. Students borrow a median of $18,178 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $31,349 ten years out. Set against $18,178 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Remington College Memphis Campus
Cumberland University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,840. Typical Healthcare student debt is $21,902. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,687. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cumberland University
King College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $20,397. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,579. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,831. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full King College profile
Belmont University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Belmont University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Typical Healthcare student debt is $23,447. Median earnings reach $55,930 ten years out. Set against $23,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Belmont University
Southern Adventist University landed the #31 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Collegedale, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,300. The median Healthcare program debt is $25,498. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Southern Adventist University
Carson Newman College placed #32 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Carson Newman College
Lincoln Memorial University placed #33 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Located in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,938. Students borrow a median of $20,693 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,956. Set against $20,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lincoln Memorial University admits about 63% of applicants. More on Lincoln Memorial University
Lee University landed the #34 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,790. Students borrow a median of $26,422 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $43,222 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lee University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Lee University report
Vanderbilt University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville placed #36 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. See the full Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville profile
Empire Beauty School E Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. More on Empire Beauty School E Memphis
Tennessee School Of Beauty Of Knoxville Inc came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Tennessee School Of Beauty Of Knoxville Inc report
Fortis Institute Cookeville placed #39 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. See the full Fortis Institute Cookeville profile
Health Tech Institute Of Memphis ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on Health Tech Institute Of Memphis
Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences report
Mid South Christian College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. See the full Mid South Christian College profile
Galen Health Institutes Nashville Campus landed the #43 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Read more about Galen Health Institutes Nashville Campus
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Nashville came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Nashville
Empire Beauty School Jackson came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Empire Beauty School Jackson
Fayetteville College Of Cosmetology Arts And Sciences placed #46 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Read more about Fayetteville College Of Cosmetology Arts And Sciences
Queen City College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on Queen City College
Nossi College Of Art ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read more about Nossi College Of Art
Paul Mitchell The School Memphis placed #49 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Tennessee. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Memphis
Pellissippi State Community College landed the #50 spot for value in Tennessee this year. More on Pellissippi State Community College
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 38 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 143 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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