Best Online Biology Programs in Tennessee (2026)

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Tennessee Biology At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Biology Salary$72,270
Salary OutlookTennessee offers competitive wages for biology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online biology degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path into biology careers. Tennessee offers competitive wages for biology 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 Biology Schools in Tennessee

The following schools offer accredited online biology 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.

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN BOC Score 91.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
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: 49

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Memphis, TN BOC Score 89.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 88%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,318
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN BOC Score 74.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
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: 50

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN BOC Score 64.5
  • 4 year
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: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN BOC Score 63.2
  • 4 year
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: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN BOC Score 45.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 61%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,723
Avg net price $24,345/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Le Moyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN BOC Score 24.2
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 27%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $35,594
Avg net price $7,099/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 53%
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Fisk University

Nashville, TN BOC Score 21.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 44%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $45,454
Avg net price $32,020/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 73%
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Biology 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.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Medical Scientist$102,720
Biological Technician$50,840
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist$73,570
Soil and Plant Scientist$61,950

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


Why Pursue an Online Biology 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 biology 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 Biology pay in Tennessee compare to other states?

Tennessee offers competitive wages for biology 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 biology 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.


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