Best Economics Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 5 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 205 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $52,311 on average within two years — 8% above the national average of $48,383, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in TN

$52,311

TN Avg. Earnings

$48,383

National Avg.

449

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Tennessee

Public Schools (2)

$43,426

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$55,272

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $11,846 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Economics Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$72,134

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $72,741

Graduates: 113

Acceptance: 6.3%

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private

$47,595

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $50,532

Graduates: 40

Acceptance: 50.9%

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private

$46,087

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 49.7%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$43,426

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,158

Graduates: 52

Acceptance: 46.0%

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 68.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Economics in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $72,134 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Economics programs in the state.

How much do Economics graduates earn in Tennessee?

Economics graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $52,311 within two years of graduation. This is 8% above the national average of $48,383 for this major.

What is the hardest Economics school to get into in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University is the most selective Economics program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 44.2%.

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

In Tennessee, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $55,272 vs $43,426 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 3 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 Science $59,925 Computer Engineering $59,120 Civil Engineering $58,536 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708

All colleges in Tennessee →

Economics in Other States

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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.