Best Social Work Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 11 colleges offering Social Work programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 484 recent graduates. Graduates earn $30,180 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $31,426.

11
Schools in TN
$30,180
TN Avg. Earnings
$31,426
National Avg.
395
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Social Work in Tennessee

Public Schools (8)
$29,880
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$30,978
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,098 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Social Work Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

#1
B

Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private

$32,569
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.4%
#2
U

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$31,825
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,735
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 93.4%
#3
T

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$30,988
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,720
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 77.0%
#4
T

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public

$30,554
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,099
Graduates: 56
Acceptance: 87.3%
#5
L

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN · Private

$30,409
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 66.6%
#6
A

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public

$30,119
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,455
Graduates: 69
Acceptance: 96.0%
#7
T

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$30,119
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,766
Graduates: 57
Acceptance: 46.0%
#8
U

Union University

Jackson, TN · Private

$29,956
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,951
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 47.2%
#9
T

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

$29,141
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,791
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 92.6%
#10
E

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$28,302
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,150
Graduates: 60
Acceptance: 87.1%
#11
M

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$27,995
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,470
Graduates: 78
Acceptance: 68.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Social Work in Tennessee?
Belmont University ranks #1 for Social Work in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $32,569 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Social Work programs in the state.
How much do Social Work graduates earn in Tennessee?
Social Work graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $30,180 within two years of graduation. This is 4% below the national average of $31,426 for this major.
What is the hardest Social Work school to get into in Tennessee?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the most selective Social Work program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 46.0%. The average acceptance rate across Social Work programs in the state is 78.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Social Work in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, private Social Work programs produce average earnings of $30,978 vs $29,880 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

All colleges in Tennessee →

Social Work in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.