In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #28 nationally
$11,740
All states
2025-26Rank #28
2025-26Rank #28Tennessee College Cost 2025-26
$11,740 in-state, $26,700 out-of-state. Community college: $5,164.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$11,740
In-state
$46,960
4-year sticker
$26,700
Out-of-state
#28
National rank
Tennessee college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$11,740
Out-of-state
$26,700
2-year in-district
$5,164
Estimated COA
$25,640
Tennessee's $11,740/yr in-state tuition ranks #28 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in Tennessee
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$46,960
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$25,640
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$14,960
$26,700
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$5,164
Tennessee vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare Tennessee with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — Tennessee college costs
- Tennessee public 4-year in-state tuition averages $11,740/yr—rank #28 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $26,700/yr (rank #15), premium +$14,960.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $46,960 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $25,640/yr × 4 ≈ $102,560.
- Public 2-year in-district: $5,164/yr (US avg $4,150).
- Tennessee is $210 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- Tennessee does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Tennessee college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
Tennessee public 4-year institutions charge an average of $11,740 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #28 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $26,700/yr (rank #15), premium +$14,960.
Community college in Tennessee: Public 2-year in-district: $5,164/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Tennessee ≈ $25,640/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in Tennessee
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $46,960 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $102,560.
Out-of-state students pay about $106,800 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $59,840 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
Tennessee 529 plan tax benefits
Tennessee does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to Tennessee tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
Tennessee financial aid and scholarship programs
Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition for recent high school graduates who complete mentoring and service requirements. Tennessee HOPE Scholarship provides merit-based aid for 4-year institutions based on high school GPA and test scores. Check the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) for eligibility.
Who this Tennessee guide helps
- Families comparing Tennessee tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in Tennessee evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Tennessee public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs in Tennessee (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
Tennessee college cost checklist
- Note Tennessee in-state tuition: $11,740/yr (rank #28).
- Out-of-state: $26,700/yr (premium +$14,960).
- Community college: $5,164/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check Tennessee 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Tennessee college cost FAQs
Tennessee averages $11,740 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #28 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $26,700/yr in Tennessee (rank #15), a premium of $14,960 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $5,164/yr in Tennessee (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $46,960 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $25,640/yr × 4 ≈ $102,560.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. TN residents should check /529-calculator for Tennessee-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition for recent high school grads. Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for 4-year institutions based on merit.
Tennessee ranks #28 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most Tennessee public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Tennessee driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most Tennessee state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
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