Research the best MBA programs in Tennessee by concentrations offered, how the MBA programs are offered (full-time, part-time, online, weekend and evenings), rankings by publication, cost of tuition, number of alumni, GMAT requirements and more.
To meet the diverse needs of Tennessee businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 37 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
Options for earning your MBA in Tennessee have never been more flexible. Tennessee MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule. You will find 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Tennessee including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.
Tennessee has 19 Accredited MBA programs. There are 3 private and 8 public schools offering MBA programs.
Online Business Programs Liked by Tennessee MBA Graduates
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Research additional school detail on the school summary pages, in the tables and charts below and throughout the site.
MBA Program Comparisons: Tennessee vs Online vs U.S.
Compare MBA Programs Averages | Tennessee MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs in the US |
---|---|---|---|
Average MBA Tuition | $30,472 | $28,263 | $32,512 |
Average GMAT Scores | 516 | 530 | 543 |
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty | 67 | 65 | 63 |
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio | 51:20 | 249:100 | 129:50 |
Average # of MBA Faculty with Doctorate | 89.60% | 83.44% | 83.98% |
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment | 209 | 145 | 184 |
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment | 127 | 360 | 300 |
Average % of MBA Students from U.S. | 91% | 76% | 75% |
Rankings for MBA Programs in Tennessee
The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.
Of the 19 accredited MBA programs offered in Tennessee, 11 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.
Tennessee schools have earned a total of 21 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:
Publications and the number of awards granted for Tennessee schools:
Salaries for MBA Graduates in Tennessee
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Tennessee is about $73,071, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $51,415 from University of Tennessee at Martin, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $113,205 from Vanderbilt University.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Tennessee is between $51,415 from University of Tennessee at Martin and $83,098 from Union University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Tennessee is $66,607.
In-Person
- Average: $73,071 from Tennessee's 11 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $51,415 from University of Tennessee at Martin
- Highest In-Person:$113,205 from Vanderbilt University
Online
- Average: $66,607 from Tennessee's 8 Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $51,415 from University of Tennessee at Martin
- Highest Online: $83,098 from Union University
10 Highest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University - $113,205.00
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $90,000.00
- Union University - $83,098.00
- Tennessee Technological University - $80,024.00
- The University of Memphis - $71,331.00
- Tennessee State University - $66,436.00
- East Tennessee State University - $64,862.00
- Middle Tennessee State University - $64,726.00
- Belmont University - $63,000.00
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $55,689.00
10 Lowest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Tennessee
- University of Tennessee at Martin - $51,415.00
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $55,689.00
- Belmont University - $63,000.00
- Middle Tennessee State University - $64,726.00
- East Tennessee State University - $64,862.00
- Tennessee State University - $66,436.00
- The University of Memphis - $71,331.00
- Tennessee Technological University - $80,024.00
- Union University - $83,098.00
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $90,000.00
Tuition for MBA Programs in Tennessee
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
While the average in-person MBA program in Tennessee will cost about $30,472, the least expensive MBA program is $13,401 from Tennessee Technological University, and the most expensive is $60,960 from Belmont University.
An Online MBA program from an institution in Tennessee will cost you between $13,401 from Tennessee Technological University and $23,088 from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The average cost of online MBA programs within Tennessee is $19,130.
In-Person
- Average: $30,472 from Tennessee's 11 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: $13,401 from Tennessee Technological University
- Highest in-person: $60,960 from Belmont University
Online
- Average: $19,130 from Tennessee's 8 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: $13,401 from Tennessee Technological University
- Highest online: $23,088 from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
10 Most Expensive MBAs in Tennessee
- Belmont University - $60,960.00
- Vanderbilt University - $58,400.00
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $40,114.00
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $23,088.00
- East Tennessee State University - $21,132.00
- Middle Tennessee State University - $21,049.00
- Tennessee State University - $18,828.00
- University of Tennessee at Martin - $17,280.00
- Tennessee Technological University - $13,401.00
10 Least Expensive MBAs in Tennessee
- Tennessee Technological University - $13,401.00
- University of Tennessee at Martin - $17,280.00
- Tennessee State University - $18,828.00
- Middle Tennessee State University - $21,049.00
- East Tennessee State University - $21,132.00
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - $23,088.00
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - $40,114.00
- Vanderbilt University - $58,400.00
- Belmont University - $60,960.00
GMAT Scores Needed for MBA Programs in Tennessee
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Tennessee is 516, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from South College, and the highest GMAT score needed is 688 from Vanderbilt University.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Tennessee is between 400 from South College to 535 from East Tennessee State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Tennessee is 475.
In-Person
- Average: 527 from Tennessee's 11 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 400 from South College
- Highest in-person: 688 from Vanderbilt University
Online
- Average: 475 from Tennessee's 8 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 400 from South College
- Highest online: 535 from East Tennessee State University
10 Highest GMAT Scores in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University - 688
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 656
- The University of Memphis - 550
- East Tennessee State University - 535
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - 525
- Tennessee Technological University - 508
- Belmont University - 500
- University of Tennessee at Martin - 495
- Middle Tennessee State University - 490
- Tennessee State University - 450
10 Lowest GMAT Scores in Tennessee
- South College - 400
- Union University - 400
- Tennessee State University - 450
- Middle Tennessee State University - 490
- University of Tennessee at Martin - 495
- Belmont University - 500
- Tennessee Technological University - 508
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - 525
- East Tennessee State University - 535
- The University of Memphis - 550
Student Enrollment for Tennessee MBA Programs
The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For Tennessee state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 27 and 535. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 33 and 335.
In Person
- Lowest: 27 from University of Tennessee at Martin
- Highest: 535 from Vanderbilt University
- Average: 209 from Tennessee's 19 MBA Programs.
- Average: 186 from 876 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 27 from University of Tennessee at Martin
- Highest: 447 from Middle Tennessee State University
- Average: 160 from Tennessee's 8 MBA Programs.
- Average: 145 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Schools with the Highest Student Enrollment in Tennessee
10 Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Tennessee
Percent of Global MBA Student Population
The MBA programs in the United States are coveted around the world and attract a healthy percentage of global students each year. A culturally diverse student population is especially important in an ever-changing global economy. With increasing globalization, a well diversified student body from outside the United States can provide much needed global world-view as well as valuable networking opportunities.
In Tennessee the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of 88% to a high of 94%.
For online programs in Tennessee the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of N/A to a high of N/A.
In Person
- Lowest: 88% from Vanderbilt University
- Highest: 94% from University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Average: 91% from Tennessee's 11 in-person MBA Programs.
- Average: 75% from 590 nation's in-person MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: N/A from N/A
- Highest: N/A from N/A
- Average: N/A from Tennessee's 8 online MBA Programs.
- Average: 76% from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
MBA Concentrations Available from MBA Programs in Tennessee
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Tennessee businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 37 MBA concentrations including:
- Finance: 14
- Marketing: 13
- Accounting: 12
- General Business: 11
- Management: 10
- Economics: 10
- International Business: 8
- Information Systems: 8
- Supply Chain: 6
- Leadership: 6
Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:
- Vanderbilt University: 24
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville: 21
- East Tennessee State University: 17
- The University of Memphis: 16
- Middle Tennessee State University: 15
- Belmont University: 15
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: 13
- Tennessee Technological University: 11
- University of Tennessee at Martin: 9
- Union University: 8
Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Tennessee
Quality MBA programs invest in the number of professors relative to the students attending the program. Commonly known as the Student Faculty ratio. Generally, the lower the ratio, the better it is for students. MBA students will get the personalized one-on-one attention from faculty mentors that have extensive experience in the industry. The Student/Faculty metric is a matter of personal preference and for those students who excel in lecture hall environments, you may not need the low student/faculty ratio.
In Tennessee the student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 1:2 the highest (less desirable) of 109:20. For online MBA programs thee student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 27:20 the highest (less desirable) of 269:50.
In Person
- Lowest: 1:2 from Vanderbilt University
- Highest: 109:20 from The University of Memphis
- Average: 51:20 from Tennessee's 11 MBA Programs.
- Average: 129:50 from 590 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 27:20 from Middle Tennessee State University
- Highest: 269:50 from Tennessee Technological University
- Average: 277:100 from Tennessee's 8 MBA Programs.
- Average: 249:100 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Programs with the Highest Student Faculty Ratio
- The University of Memphis - 109:20
- Tennessee Technological University - 269:50
- University of Tennessee at Martin - 287:100
- Tennessee State University - 109:50
- East Tennessee State University - 103:50
- Middle Tennessee State University - 27:20
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 3:5
- Vanderbilt University - 1:2
10 Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio
- Vanderbilt University - 1:2
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville - 3:5
- Middle Tennessee State University - 27:20
- East Tennessee State University - 103:50
- Tennessee State University - 109:50
- University of Tennessee at Martin - 287:100
- Tennessee Technological University - 269:50
- The University of Memphis - 109:20
Full-Time Faculty
Highly competitive MBA schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academics and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective field. Most business professors have experienced success in the corporate world and have written extensively in their chosen field. The number of highly-qualified full-time faculty is directly related to the reputation of most elite MBA programs.
The number of full-time faculty for MBA programs in Tennessee ranges from a low of 33 professors to a high or 138.
- Lowest: 33 from Tennessee State University
- Highest: 138 from University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Average: 67 from Tennessee's 19 MBA Programs
- Average: 65 from 324 Online MBA Programs
Percent of Faculty with a PhD
Another high-level perspective to consider when determining the quality of an MBA faculty is to note the number of faculty who have earned a PhD in their respective area of excellence. Note to writer - create a fuller amount of content for this section.
In Tennessee MBA programs range from 85.10% of the faculty having a PhD to a 97.00% of the MBA faculty having a PhD.
- Lowest: 85% from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Highest: 97% from Tennessee State University
- Average: 90% from Tennessee's 19 MBA Programs
- Average: 83% from 324 Online MBA Programs
The Importance of MBA Accreditation
The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.
AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.
Cities in Tennessee with Accredited MBA Programs
Looking for a particular city in Tennessee with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Tennessee. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more. The following is a list of cities in Tennessee with accredited MBA programs: Chattanooga, Cookeville, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Martin, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Nashville.
Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Tennessee
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