Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Jackson, TN (2026)
Jackson, Tennessee has a population of about 68,098. The city’s median household income is $51,552 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Jackson, with tuition ranging from $3,420 to $27,692 per year. In the Jackson, TN metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $84,940 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Jackson
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Jackson city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi | University, MS | 97.5 mi | $9,412 - $27,692 | – |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | 98.2 mi | $3,420 - $11,557 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Tennessee schools on the Tennessee liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Jackson
Jackson is part of the Jackson, TN metro area (BLS area code 27180). 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $49,990 | Jackson, TN | $58,468 |
| Management Analyst | $84,940 | Jackson, TN | $99,345 |
| Technical Writer | $76,950 | TN statewide | $90,000 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $59,030 | TN statewide | $69,041 |
| Editor | $51,060 | TN statewide | $59,719 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $55,730 | Jackson, TN | $65,181 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $59,400 | Jackson, TN | $69,474 |
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.
Jackson at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,098 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,552 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 85.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Jackson-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Dyersburg, TN – 40.7 mi away (21,313 pop)
- Atoka, TN – 55.8 mi away (20,478 pop)
- Bartlett, TN – 62.5 mi away (58,622 pop)
- Collierville, TN – 64.2 mi away (49,177 pop)
- Germantown, TN – 66.4 mi away (39,056 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Jackson, TN?
Our directory lists 2 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Jackson. The closest is University of Mississippi in University, MS (97.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Itawamba Community College (98.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Jackson?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Jackson are: Management Analyst ($84,940), Technical Writer ($76,950), Human Resources Specialist ($59,400). 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 Dyersburg instead of Jackson?
Dyersburg, TN is 40.7 miles from Jackson 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 Jackson an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Jackson’s median household income of $51,552 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Jackson 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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