Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 10 colleges offering Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,222 recent graduates. Graduates earn $31,755 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $32,217.

School choice matters significantly: Middle Tennessee State University graduates earn $35,400 while The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $25,194 — a $10,206 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$31,755

TN Avg. Earnings

$32,217

National Avg.

559

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Tennessee

Public Schools (7)

$29,952

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$35,363

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $5,411 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$35,400

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,993

Graduates: 522

Acceptance: 68.0%

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,561

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 92.6%

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

$24,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,999

Graduates: 45

Acceptance: 72.2%

Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private

$47,260

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,587

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 96.4%

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$34,650

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,069

Graduates: 181

Acceptance: 93.4%

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,668

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 96.0%

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$28,272

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,687

Graduates: 178

Acceptance: 83.2%

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$29,840

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,312

Graduates: 179

Acceptance: 87.1%

Union University

Jackson, TN · Private

$34,793

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,483

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 47.2%

#10

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,503

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Tennessee?

Middle Tennessee State University ranks #1 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $35,400 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs in the state.

How much do Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates earn in Tennessee?

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $31,755 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $32,217 for this major.

What is the hardest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities school to get into in Tennessee?

Union University is the most selective Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 47.2%. The average acceptance rate across Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs in the state is 81.3%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs produce average earnings of $35,363 vs $29,952 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 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 →

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Other States

California Pennsylvania New York Ohio Texas Massachusetts Illinois Indiana Florida Connecticut New Jersey North Carolina View All →

Get Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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.