healthcare

Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee for 2025

Goodwork author

02 May 2025 — 3 min read

🏥 1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) – Memphis

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.8% first-time pass rate for BSN graduates in FY 2024
In-State Tuition: $8,847 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,930 per year
Highlights: Offers a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program approved by the National Association of Assistants at Surgery and a 12-hour Forensic Nursing Certificate. East Tennessee State University+2UTHSC+2UTHSC+2 trustees.tennessee.edu UTHSC

🏥 2. Tennessee Tech University – Cookeville

NCLEX Pass Rate: Better than 95% first-time pass rate
In-State Tuition: $12,070 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,722 per year
Highlights: Offers an accelerated BSN program and various study abroad options. College of Nursing+6Tennessee Tech University+6Tennessee Tech University+6 Incredible Health

🏥 3. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.5% first-time pass rate in 2023
In-State Tuition: $13,244 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,664 per year
Highlights: Features a Nursing Honors Program and various research groups with an interdisciplinary approach.UTHSC+3College of Nursing+3Belmont University+3 Research.com+4trustees.tennessee.edu+4Belmont University+4 Incredible Health

🏥 4. Union University – Jackson

NCLEX Pass Rate: Data not specified
Tuition: $400 per credit hour
Highlights: Offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with a focus on Christian values and service. Belmont University+37Empowerly+37East Tennessee State University+37 EduMed+5Union University+5Austin Peay State University+5 Incredible Health

🏥 5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.82% first-time pass rate in 2024
Tuition: $25,966 per year (both in-state and out-of-state)
Highlights: Offers a DNP Nurse Anesthesia program and various nursing tracks. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga+1University of Tennessee at Chattanooga+1

🏥 6. University of Memphis – Loewenberg College of Nursing

NCLEX Pass Rate: Approximately 90%
In-State Tuition: $14,610 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,650 per year
Highlights: Emphasizes diversity and inclusion with a hands-on approach to nursing education. Austin Peay State University+6ABSN Programs+6Austin Peay State University+6

🏥 7. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Murfreesboro

NCLEX Pass Rate: Consistently above 95%
In-State Tuition: $9,472 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,144 per year
Highlights: Focuses on community care with significant certification exam success rates.UAU+9nursing.mtsu.edu+9Tennessee Tech University+9 Tennessee Tech University+4University of Tennessee at Chattanooga+4University of Tennessee at Chattanooga+4

🏥 8. Austin Peay State University – Clarksville

In-State Tuition: $7,146 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,690 per year
Highlights: Offers a cultural exchange initiative for local and international students. Austin Peay State University

NCLEX Pass Rate:

95% five-year average

🏥 9. Belmont University – Nashville

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate for Spring 2024 graduates
Tuition: $43,750 per year
Highlights: Provides simulation-based learning experiences through collaborative efforts. East Tennessee State University+2Belmont University+2Belmont University+2 Belmont University

🏥 10. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) – Johnson City

NCLEX Pass Rate: 93% in 2024
In-State Tuition: $19,348 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,968 per year
Highlights: Offers free tutoring for undergraduate nursing students alongside a noteworthy MSN program.UAU+23East Tennessee State University+23Belmont College+23

Choosing the Right Nursing School

When selecting a nursing program, consider factors such as location, tuition costs, NCLEX pass rates, and available specializations. Tennessee's diverse offerings ensure that aspiring nurses can find a program that aligns with their career goals and personal circumstances.

Advance Your Nursing Career

Stay informed about licensure requirements, application fees, and continuing education opportunities to enhance your professional journey. For current job openings in Tennessee's healthcare sector, explore Goodwork Job Listings.