Best Online Education Programs in Chattanooga, TN (2026)
Chattanooga, Tennessee has a population of about 182,832. The city’s median household income is $61,028 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Chattanooga. In Tennessee, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $104,230 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Chattanooga
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Chattanooga city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee University | Cleveland, TN | 22.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | 82.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | 96.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Tennessee schools on the Tennessee education page.
Education Wages Near Chattanooga
Chattanooga is part of the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area (BLS area code 16860). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Tennessee statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $62,520 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $68,328 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $57,820 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $63,191 |
| Middle School Teacher | $60,940 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $66,601 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $83,370 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $91,115 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $103,000 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $112,568 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $104,230 | TN statewide | $113,913 |
| Tutor | $47,410 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $51,814 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $58,930 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $64,404 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Chattanooga at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $61,028 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Hamilton County | 3,767 workers, 199 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Chattanooga-Area Cities With Education Programs
- East Ridge, TN – 4.9 mi away (21,302 pop)
- Cleveland, TN – 22.8 mi away (71,601 pop)
- Dalton, GA – 25.9 mi away (87,688 pop)
- Calhoun, GA – 43.3 mi away (33,092 pop)
- Rome, GA – 55.4 mi away (61,019 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Chattanooga, TN?
Our directory lists 3 education programs within 100 miles of Chattanooga. The closest is Lee University in Cleveland, TN (22.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (96.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Chattanooga?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Chattanooga are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($104,230), Education Administrator, K-12 ($103,000), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($83,370). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Tennessee statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in East Ridge instead of Chattanooga?
East Ridge, TN is 4.9 miles from Chattanooga and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Chattanooga an affordable place to study education?
Chattanooga’s median household income of $61,028 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Chattanooga while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Tennessee public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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