Best Online Nursing Programs in Tennessee (2026)

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Tennessee Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$104,063
Salary OutlookTennessee offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Tennessee offers competitive wages for nursing 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 top-ranked national program, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Tennessee

The following schools offer accredited online nursing 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
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Memphis, TN BOC Score 89.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN BOC Score 74.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN BOC Score 45.6
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

Chattanooga, TN BOC Score 22.6
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Nursing 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)
Registered Nurse$81,500
Licensed Practical Nurse$58,870
Nurse Anesthetist$211,450
Nurse Midwife$116,980
Nurse Practitioner$117,590
Nursing Assistant$37,990

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


Why Pursue an Online Nursing 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.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Tennessee Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Tennessee accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Tennessee, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Tennessee compare to other states?

Tennessee offers competitive wages for nursing 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 nursing in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Board of Nursing 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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