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Community-college tuition in Tennessee

Published in-state tuition for community colleges in Tennessee, ranked highest to lowest. Use this as a quick reference for comparing the published price tag across institutions; for a full picture of what you'll actually pay, see each college's profile and our cost-and-aid guide for Tennessee.

  1. South CollegeKnoxville, TN$18,535
  2. Galen Health Institutes-Nashville CampusNashville, TN$17,048
  3. Fortis Institute-CookevilleCookeville, TN$15,120
  4. John A Gupton CollegeNashville, TN$12,223
  5. Columbia State Community CollegeColumbia, TN$5,296
  6. Roane State Community CollegeHarriman, TN$4,998
  7. Pellissippi State Community CollegeKnoxville, TN$4,786
  8. Northeast State Community CollegeBlountville, TN$4,782
  9. Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMemphis, TN$4,778
  10. Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN$4,772
  11. Dyersburg State Community CollegeDyersburg, TN$4,758
  12. Volunteer State Community CollegeGallatin, TN$4,756
  13. Walters State Community CollegeMorristown, TN$4,752
  14. Jackson State Community CollegeJackson, TN$4,740
  15. Motlow State Community CollegeTullahoma, TN$4,738
  16. Nashville State Community CollegeNashville, TN$4,730

How to read this table

The published rate is what the institution charges before financial aid is applied. Tennessee community colleges are funded through a combination of state appropriations, local tax support (in many states), and student tuition; the public colleges on this list are required to publish their tuition schedules and report them annually to the U.S. Department of Education. Private nonprofit and private for-profit two-year colleges in Tennessee report similarly but may not benefit from state subsidy, which is why their tuition rates can be substantially higher.

Tuition alone is the smallest component of a community-college cost decision for most students. The full annual cost of attendance — including required fees, books, supplies, transportation, and (when applicable) room and board — is consistently several times the tuition figure shown here. Federal Pell Grants, state grant programs in Tennessee, and institutional aid typically reduce the out-of-pocket cost dramatically, often to zero for the lowest-income students. Always file the FAFSA before you decide which community college is most affordable for you personally; the answer based on real cost is frequently different from the answer based on sticker price.

If you are not a Tennessee resident, expect a meaningfully higher tuition rate at most public community colleges in the state. Out-of-state tuition is reported on each college's full profile.