2026 Best Value Psychology Schools in Tennessee

1

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Our analysis ranked Middle Tennessee State University the best value for a degree in psychology in Tennessee. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $23,371. Psychology graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $35,497 early in their careers. Set against $23,371 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.

2

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

Students looking for strong value in psychology will find it at The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $21,898. Early-career psychology graduates make about $48,892. Set against $21,898 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

3

The University Of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN

Students looking for strong value in psychology will find it at The University Of Tennessee Martin, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete the psychology program here. Early-career psychology graduates make about $27,433. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee Martin admits about 88% of applicants.

4

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN

Tennessee State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Psychology graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $45,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

5

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Psychology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $83,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants.

6

Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN

Trevecca Nazarene University earned the #6 position for value in psychology this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,300. Psychology graduates carry a median of $21,375 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $41,518. That is a strong return on a $21,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.

7

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the psychology program here. Early-career psychology graduates make about $28,394. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. Tennessee Technological University admits about 76% of applicants.

8

Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN

Christian Brothers University came in at #8 for value in psychology this year. Set in the city of Memphis, Christian Brothers University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,420. Psychology graduates carry a median of $45,942 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $38,421. That is a strong return on a $45,942 median debt. Christian Brothers University admits about 87% of applicants.

9

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $17,976. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from East Tennessee State University generally make around $26,403. That is a strong return on a $17,976 median debt. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants.

10

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Psychology graduates carry a median of $23,081 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $47,265. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.

11

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University placed #11 among the best values for psychology. Located in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, while out-of-state students pay about $14,766. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the psychology program here. Psychology graduates of Austin Peay State University earn a median of $56,735 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

12

Bryan College Dayton
Dayton, TN

Bryan College Dayton earned the #12 position for value in psychology this year. Set in the town of Dayton, Bryan College Dayton is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,800. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $23,880. Early-career psychology graduates make about $44,067. Set against $23,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University placed #13 among the best values for psychology. Located in the town of Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,938. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $20,693. Early-career psychology graduates make about $64,307. Set against $20,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lincoln Memorial University admits about 63% of applicants.

14

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Psychology graduates carry a median of $11,209 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $36,716. That is a strong return on a $11,209 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.

15

Cumberland University
Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University landed the #15 spot for psychology value this year. Set in the town of Lebanon, Cumberland University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,840. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $22,437. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Cumberland University generally make around $27,023. Set against $22,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cumberland University admits about 67% of applicants.

16

Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College came in at #16 for value in psychology this year. Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Jefferson City. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Carson Newman College generally make around $28,217. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

17

Freed Hardeman University
Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University earned the #17 position for value in psychology this year. Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Henderson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Freed Hardeman University generally make around $54,530. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Freed Hardeman University admits about 60% of applicants.

18

Johnson University
Knoxville, TN

Johnson University came in at #18 for value in psychology this year. Johnson University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Knoxville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,122. Students borrow a median of $23,819 to complete the psychology program here. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Johnson University generally make around $34,290. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

19

Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University earned the #19 position for value in psychology this year. Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cleveland. Students from in state pay about $23,790 in tuition and fees. Psychology graduates carry a median of $26,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Lee University generally make around $38,509. Set against $26,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

20

Bethel University Tennessee
McKenzie, TN

Bethel University Tennessee earned the #20 position for value in psychology this year. Located in the town of McKenzie, Bethel University Tennessee is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,712. Psychology graduates carry a median of $28,583 in student loans. Early-career psychology graduates make about $62,331. Set against $28,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Tennessee admits about 60% of applicants.

21

King College
Bristol, TN

King College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Set in the city of Bristol, King College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $20,397 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $24,875. Psychology graduates of King College earn a median of $28,795 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

22

Tusculum College
Greeneville, TN

Tusculum College came in at #22 for value in psychology this year. Set in the town of Greeneville, Tusculum College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,250. Psychology graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Psychology graduates of Tusculum College earn a median of $30,170 early in their careers. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

23

Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University landed the #23 spot for psychology value this year. Set in the suburb of Collegedale, Southern Adventist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,300. Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Psychology graduates of Southern Adventist University earn a median of $44,970 early in their careers. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

24

Rhodes College
Memphis, TN

Rhodes College placed #24 among the best values for psychology. Set in the city of Memphis, Rhodes College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,110. Psychology graduates carry a median of $24,589 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from Rhodes College generally make around $37,563. Set against $24,589 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.

25

Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Psychology graduates carry a median of $25,062 in student loans. Psychology graduates of Lipscomb University earn a median of $44,434 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,062 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.