Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Cookeville, TN (2026)
Cookeville, Tennessee has a population of about 35,544. The city’s median household income is $48,501 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Cookeville. In Tennessee, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $97,410 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Cookeville
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Cookeville city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | 1.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bryan College-Dayton | Dayton, TN | 53.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | 64.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | 72.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | 78.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Tennessee schools on the Tennessee liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Cookeville
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Tennessee, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $56,200 |
| Management Analyst | $97,410 |
| Technical Writer | $76,950 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $59,030 |
| Editor | $51,060 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $57,930 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $65,200 |
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.
Cookeville at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,544 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,501 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Putnam County | 18 workers, 9 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cookeville-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Lebanon, TN – 46.7 mi away (33,068 pop)
- Murfreesboro, TN – 54.2 mi away (161,634 pop)
- Harriman, TN – 55.2 mi away (23,026 pop)
- Gallatin, TN – 55.7 mi away (35,734 pop)
- Mount Juliet, TN – 55.9 mi away (33,263 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Cookeville, TN?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Cookeville. The closest is Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN (1.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Western Kentucky University (78.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Tennessee?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Tennessee are: Management Analyst ($97,410), Technical Writer ($76,950), Human Resources Specialist ($65,200). Wages for Cookeville workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Lebanon instead of Cookeville?
Lebanon, TN is 46.7 miles from Cookeville and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Cookeville an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Cookeville’s median household income of $48,501 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cookeville 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
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Tennessee
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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