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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee

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 analysis found Jackson State Community College to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in Tennessee. JSCC is a small public school situated in Jackson, Tennessee. It awarded 532 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,396 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend JSCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,076.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at JSCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Jackson State Community College

#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. Tullahoma, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 967 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Motlow is $4,416. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,232. On average, associate degree students take out $3,554 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Motlow. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 76% took at least some of their classes online.

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41 Total Awards
$21,194 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Remington College - Memphis Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 41 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students 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.

Remington College - Memphis Campus does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

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#4

Volunteer State Community College

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

Out of the 18 schools in Tennessee that were part of this year’s ranking, Volunteer State Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Volunteer State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Gallatin, Tennessee that handed out 1,201 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at VSCC is $4,404. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,220. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,049 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that VSCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Volunteer State Community College

926 Total Awards
$4,430 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Southwest Tennessee Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. This medium-sized public school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 926 associate degrees 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southwest does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Southwest Tennessee Community College Report

#6

Southern Adventist University

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

Southern Adventist University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Southern Adventist is located in Collegedale, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 136 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Southern Adventist, expect to pay an average of $23,870 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Southern Adventist accumulate an average of $21,339 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southern Adventist. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 39% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Southern Adventist University

#7

Roane State Community College

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

Roane State Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Roane State Community College is located in Harriman, Tennessee and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 850 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,724 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Roane State Community College. Out-of-state students 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.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Roane State Community College. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#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.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,399 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend WSCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,215. On average, associate degree students take out $4,796 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at WSCC, 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, 66% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#9

Chattanooga State Community College

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

Chattanooga State Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,163 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 Chattanooga State Community College. Those students who come from outside the state 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.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga State Community College Report

#10

Nashville State Community College

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

Nashville State Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Nashville State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Nashville, Tennessee that handed out 951 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Tennessee who attend Nashville State Community College full time pay an average of $4,372 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,188. On average, associate degree students take out $15,983 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Nashville 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. In 2020-2021 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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

Columbia 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 #11 on the list. Columbia, Tennessee is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 934 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,480 in tuition and fees if they attend Columbia State Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,260. Associate Degree recipients from Columbia State Community College accumulate an average of $11,670 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Columbia State Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 88% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Columbia State Community College Report

#12

Northeast State Community College

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

Northeast State Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee ranking. Blountville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 868 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,422 in tuition and fees if they attend Northeast State Technical Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,238. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $5,286 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Northeast State Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Northeast State Community College Report

#13

Daymar College - Clarksville

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

Daymar College - Clarksville 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 #13 on the list. Daymar College - Clarksville is a very small private for-profit school located in Clarksville, Tennessee that handed out 87 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

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

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Daymar College - Clarksville. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

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

Dyersburg 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 #14 on the list. DSCC is a small public school situated in Dyersburg, Tennessee. It awarded 407 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $4,410 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend DSCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,226. On average, associate degree students take out $7,185 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at DSCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#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 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 #15 on the list. Pellissippi State Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Knoxville, Tennessee that handed out 1,415 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pellissippi State Community College is $4,456. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Pellissippi State Community College. In fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#16

Daymar College - Nashville

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

Daymar College - Nashville ranked #16 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Daymar College - Nashville is located in Nashville, Tennessee and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 6 associate degrees to qualified students.

On average, associate degree students take out $23,260 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Full Daymar College - Nashville Report

#17

Daymar College - Murfreesboro

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

Daymar College - Murfreesboro ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Tennessee list. Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 3 students in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $21,172 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Read More…

#18

Cleveland State Community College

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

With a ranking of #18, Cleveland State Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Cleveland State Community College is a public institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The school has a small population, and it awarded 449 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,400 in tuition and fees if they attend Cleveland State Community College full time. 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.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cleveland State Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.

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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