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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee

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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee

18 Schools Ranked
$5,829 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,071 Avg Student Debt

There are so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Our analysis looked at 18 schools in Tennessee to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Tennessee

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Jackson State Community College

Jackson, Tennessee
532 Total Awards
$4,396 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Jackson State Community College the best school in Tennessee for trade school students working on their associate degree. Jackson State Community College is a small public school located in Jackson, Tennessee that handed out 532 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Tennessee who attend JSCC full time pay an average of $4,396 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,076.

JSCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Jackson State Community College Report

#2

Motlow State Community College

Tullahoma, Tennessee
967 Total Awards
$4,416 Average Tuition & Fees
$3,554 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 18 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Motlow State Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 967 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,416 in tuition and fees if they attend Motlow full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,232. On average, associate degree students take out $3,554 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Motlow, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 76% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Motlow State Community College Report

41 Total Awards
$21,194 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Remington College - Memphis Campus helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Tennessee. Remington College - Memphis Campus is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Memphis, Tennessee that handed out 41 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Remington College - Memphis Campus accumulate an average of $21,194 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Remington College - Memphis Campus, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#4

Volunteer State Community College

Gallatin, Tennessee
1,201 Total Awards
$4,404 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,049 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Volunteer State Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Tennessee. VSCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Gallatin, Tennessee. It awarded 1,201 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Tennessee who attend VSCC full time pay an average of $4,404 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,220. Associate Degree recipients from VSCC accumulate an average of $11,049 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at VSCC. In 2020-2021 about 72% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Volunteer State Community College

926 Total Awards
$4,430 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 18 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Southwest Tennessee Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 926 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,430 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Southwest. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,246.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Southwest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#6

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
136 Total Awards
$23,870 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,339 Avg Student Debt

Southern Adventist University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Southern Adventist is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Collegedale, Tennessee. It awarded 136 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Southern Adventist is $23,870. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,339 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Southern Adventist does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 39% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Southern Adventist University Report

#7

Roane State Community College

Harriman, Tennessee
850 Total Awards
$4,724 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,564 Avg Student Debt

Roane State Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Roane State Community College is a public institution located in Harriman, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 850 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,724 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Roane State Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,540. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,564 in student loans.

Roane State Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Roane State Community College Report

#8

Walters State Community College

Morristown, Tennessee
932 Total Awards
$4,399 Average Tuition & Fees
$4,796 Avg Student Debt

Walters State Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Morristown, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 932 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,399 in tuition and fees if they attend WSCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,215. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $4,796 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WSCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Walters State Community College

#9

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, Tennessee
1,163 Total Awards
$4,430 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,604 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Chattanooga State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Chattanooga State Community College is a public institution located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,163 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Chattanooga State Community College is $4,430. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,246. Associate Degree recipients from Chattanooga State Community College accumulate an average of $15,604 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Chattanooga State Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#10

Nashville State Community College

Nashville, Tennessee
951 Total Awards
$4,372 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,983 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Nashville State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Nashville State Community College is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 951 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,372 in tuition and fees if they attend Nashville State Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,188. Associate Degree recipients from Nashville State Community College accumulate an average of $15,983 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Nashville State Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 52% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Nashville State Community College Report

#11

Columbia State Community College

Columbia, Tennessee
934 Total Awards
$4,480 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,670 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Columbia State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Columbia, Tennessee, and it awarded 934 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Columbia State Community College is $4,480. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,260. On average, associate degree students take out $11,670 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Columbia State Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Columbia State Community College

#12

Northeast State Community College

Blountville, Tennessee
868 Total Awards
$4,422 Average Tuition & Fees
$5,286 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Northeast State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Northeast State Technical Community College is located in Blountville, Tennessee and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 868 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,422 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northeast State Technical Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,238. Associate Degree recipients from Northeast State Technical Community College accumulate an average of $5,286 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Northeast State Technical Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northeast State Community College Report

#13

Daymar College - Clarksville

Clarksville, Tennessee
87 Total Awards
$21,172 Avg Student Debt

Daymar College - Clarksville landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Daymar College - Clarksville is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 87 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Daymar College - Clarksville accumulate an average of $21,172 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Daymar College - Clarksville. During the 2020-2021 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Daymar College - Clarksville Report

#14

Dyersburg State Community College

Dyersburg, Tennessee
407 Total Awards
$4,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,185 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Dyersburg State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, the small public school handed out 407 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at DSCC is $4,410. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,226. Associate Degree recipients from DSCC accumulate an average of $7,185 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at DSCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Dyersburg State Community College

#15

Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, Tennessee
1,415 Total Awards
$4,456 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,776 Avg Student Debt

Pellissippi State Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,415 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,456 in tuition and fees if they attend Pellissippi State Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,272. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,776 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Pellissippi State Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Pellissippi State Community College

#16

Daymar College - Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee
6 Total Awards
$23,260 Avg Student Debt

Daymar College - Nashville did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Daymar College - Nashville is a very small private for-profit school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 6 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,260 in student loans.

Read full report on Daymar College - Nashville

#17

Daymar College - Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
3 Total Awards
$21,172 Avg Student Debt

Daymar College - Murfreesboro landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Daymar College - Murfreesboro is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3 associate degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,172 in student loans.

Full Daymar College - Murfreesboro Report

#18

Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland, Tennessee
449 Total Awards
$4,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,386 Avg Student Debt

Cleveland State Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Cleveland State Community College is located in Cleveland, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 449 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,400 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cleveland State Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,216. On average, associate degree students take out $11,386 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Cleveland State Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 50% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

View Best Trade Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 18 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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