Best Computer Science Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 9 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 444 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $59,925 on average within two years — 12% below the national average of $68,283. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Vanderbilt University graduates earn $102,409 while Tennessee State University graduates earn $42,728 — a $59,681 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$59,925

TN Avg. Earnings

$68,283

National Avg.

389

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in Tennessee

Public Schools (7)

$53,628

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (2)

$81,963

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $28,335 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$102,409

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $101,714

Graduates: 48

Acceptance: 6.3%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$65,387

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,418

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 46.0%

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$54,192

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,662

Graduates: 87

Acceptance: 68.0%

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$59,688

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,852

Graduates: 60

Acceptance: 83.2%

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$48,823

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $52,281

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 93.4%

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,241

Graduates: 52

Acceptance: 77.0%

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public

$47,260

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $51,090

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 87.3%

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private

$61,516

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,837

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 49.7%

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

$42,728

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,421

Graduates: 44

Acceptance: 92.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Computer Science in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $102,409 within two years of graduation. There are 9 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.

How much do Computer Science graduates earn in Tennessee?

Computer Science graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $59,925 within two years of graduation. This is 12% below the national average of $68,283 for this major.

What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University is the most selective Computer Science program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 67.1%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $81,963 vs $53,628 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,457 Chemical Engineering $66,750 Engineering, General $62,877 Computer Engineering $59,120 Civil Engineering $58,536 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708 Engineering-Related Fields $55,942

All colleges in Tennessee →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.