Best Anthropology Schools in Tennessee: Online Programs (2026)

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Tennessee Anthropology At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Anthropology Salary $61,453
Salary Outlook Tennessee offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Tennessee Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online anthropology degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path into anthropology careers. Tennessee offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Anthropology Schools in Tennessee

The following schools offer accredited online anthropology programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Tennessee.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
91.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $91,565
Avg net price $15,846/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 157

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
74.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,249
Avg net price $18,976/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 143

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
56.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 56%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $48,541
Avg net price $13,359/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 106

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN
  • 4 year
64.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 83%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,651
Avg net price $28,585/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 40

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#5

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN
  • 4 year
63.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 81%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $64,911
Avg net price $27,872/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 89%
  • Programs offered: 37

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Anthropology professionals in Tennessee experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Tennessee.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Anthropologists and Archeologists $60,310
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $98,160
Archivists $53,210
Curators $57,580
Museum Technicians and Conservators $44,710
Social Science Research Assistants $46,410
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $69,790

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Anthropology Degree in Tennessee?

Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Tennessee offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Tennessee economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online anthropology programs in Tennessee accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Anthropology pay in Tennessee compare to other states?

Tennessee offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Tennessee a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for anthropology in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Tennessee. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Anthropology Programs by City in Tennessee

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Atoka · Bartlett · Brentwood · Bristol · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Cleveland · Collierville · Columbia · Cookeville · Dyersburg · East Ridge · Farragut · Franklin · Gallatin · Germantown · Greeneville · Harriman · Hendersonville · Jackson · Johnson City · Kingsport · Knoxville · La Vergne · Lebanon · Maryville · Memphis · Morristown · Mount Juliet · Murfreesboro · Nashville · Oak Ridge · Sevierville · Shelbyville · Smyrna · Spring Hill


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