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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Tennessee
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Tennessee? We have ranked 143 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College evaluated 35 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 Trade Degree Schools in Tennessee
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Motlow State Community College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Tennessee. Located in Tullahoma, TN, Motlow State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,738, with out-of-state students paying around $17,722. The median Trade program debt is $6,470. Median earnings reach $40,397 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,470 median debt. More on Motlow State Community College
Out of the 35 schools in Tennessee in this year's value ranking, Jackson State Community College landed the #2 spot. Set in Jackson, TN, Jackson State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,740, compared with $17,724 for out-of-state students. Jackson State Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,553 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,224 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Jackson State Community College
You'll get strong value at Volunteer State Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Gallatin, TN, Volunteer State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,756, while out-of-state students pay about $17,740. The median Trade program debt is $12,462. Median earnings reach $41,150 ten years out. Set against $12,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Volunteer State Community College
A rank of #4 makes Southwest Tennessee Community College one of the best values in Tennessee. Set in Memphis, TN, Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,766, compared with $17,750 for out-of-state students. Southwest Tennessee Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,406 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,071. That is a strong return on a $11,406 median debt. Get the full Southwest Tennessee Community College report
You'll get strong value at Dyersburg State Community College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Dyersburg, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,758, while out-of-state students pay about $18,060. The median Trade program debt is $10,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,132. Set against $10,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Dyersburg State Community College
Walters State Community College placed #6 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Located in Morristown, TN, Walters State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,752, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,210 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,085 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walters State Community College report
Chattanooga State Community College placed #7 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, compared with $17,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,079 to complete their Trade program here. Chattanooga State Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,598 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,079 median debt. More on Chattanooga State Community College
Roane State Community College landed the #8 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Based in Harriman, TN, Roane State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,998, compared with $18,630 for out-of-state students. The median Trade 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. Read the full report on Roane State Community College
Columbia State Community College placed #9 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Set in Columbia, TN, Columbia State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,948, compared with $17,772 for out-of-state students. Columbia State Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,674 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,256. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbia State Community College
Pellissippi State Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Knoxville, TN, Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,770. Graduates carry a median of $8,951 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,440 ten years after entry. Set against $8,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pellissippi State Community College
Nashville State Community College landed the #11 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, compared with $17,714 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $16,745. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,519 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Nashville State Community College report
Northeast State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Blountville, TN, Northeast State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,782, compared with $17,766 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $6,404. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,553. Set against $6,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast State Community College
Tennessee Technological University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tennessee Technological University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,324 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,151 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,324 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Tennessee State University landed the #15 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,489 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,730. That is a strong return on a $29,489 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tennessee State University profile
Austin Peay State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,006, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Graduates carry a median of $24,530 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,301. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Austin Peay State University
University Of Memphis ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $26,315. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Cleveland State Community College placed #17 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. This public school is set in Cleveland, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,762, with out-of-state students paying around $17,746. Cleveland State Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,742 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,671 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,742 median debt. Read more about Cleveland State Community College
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. The median Trade program debt is $22,754. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,541. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Middle Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on East Tennessee State University
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Union University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,398. Students borrow a median of $28,605 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,990 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Union University profile
Bethel University Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in McKenzie, TN, Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,712. Graduates carry a median of $28,583 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,482. Set against $28,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Bethel University Tennessee
Remington College Memphis Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $17,083 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $18,178. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,349. That is a strong return on a $18,178 median debt. See the full Remington College Memphis Campus profile
Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,962 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,378 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,962 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Trevecca Nazarene University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Tennessee
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Lee University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Lee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,790. Graduates carry a median of $26,422 in student loans. Lee University alumni report median earnings of $43,222 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,422 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lee University
King College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. King College is a private not-for-profit school based in Bristol, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,397. The median Trade program debt is $25,579. Median earnings reach $59,831 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on King College
Southern Adventist University landed the #28 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Based in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,300 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $25,498. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Adventist University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Southern Adventist University
Lincoln Memorial University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,938 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $20,693. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,956. Set against $20,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lincoln Memorial University report
Cumberland University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,840. The median Trade program debt is $21,902. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,687. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cumberland University report
Lipscomb University landed the #32 spot for value in Tennessee this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $40,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,541 ten years after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lipscomb University
Christian Brothers University placed #33 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Located in Memphis, TN, Christian Brothers University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,420 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $32,416. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,478. That is a strong return on a $32,416 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Christian Brothers University
Masters Barber And Styling College landed the #33 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Read more about Masters Barber And Styling College
Sweetwater Institute Of Cosmetology came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. See the full Sweetwater Institute Of Cosmetology profile
Academy Of Allied Health Careers placed #35 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Read the full report on Academy Of Allied Health Careers
Tennessee School Of Beauty Of Knoxville Inc came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Tennessee School Of Beauty Of Knoxville Inc report
Carson Newman College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Carson Newman College
Middle Tennessee School Of Anesthesia Inc ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Middle Tennessee School Of Anesthesia Inc
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Mcminnville placed #39 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Read the full report on Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Mcminnville
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Hartsville came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Hartsville
Williamson Christian College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. More on Williamson Christian College
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Crump offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Get the full Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Crump report
Tennessee Wesleyan College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Tennessee Wesleyan College
Oxford Graduate School placed #44 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Read the full report on Oxford Graduate School
Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville landed the #45 spot for value in Tennessee this year. Get the full Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville report
Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. More on Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville
Elite College Of Cosmetology came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Elite College Of Cosmetology report
Fortis Institute Nashville ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Fortis Institute Nashville
North Central Institute placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. See the full North Central Institute profile
Queen City College placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Tennessee. Read the full report on Queen City College
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (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 · 35 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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