Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Tennessee 2025
University of Memphis
258 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Christian Brothers University
215 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
East Tennessee State University
78 information technology graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 20+ accredited information technology programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Memphis leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Information Technology Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 20 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 785 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top information technology programs in the state are led by University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, East Tennessee State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Tennessee Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 67 |
| 2 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 64.8 |
| 3 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Public | $7,706 | 97% | 64 |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 60 |
| 5 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 59.4 |
| 6 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 56.1 |
| 7 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 50.2 |
| 8 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 49.4 |
| 9 | Maryville College | Maryville, TN | Private | $37,618 | 95% | 48.5 |
| 10 | Cumberland University | Lebanon, TN | Private | $26,640 | 84% | 47.4 |
| 11 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Private | $39,400 | 97% | 46.7 |
| 12 | King University | Bristol, TN | Private | $32,902 | — | 45.8 |
| 13 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 43.1 |
| 14 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 42.7 |
| 15 | Fisk University | Nashville, TN | Private | $22,320 | 49% | 41.3 |
| 16 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.2 |
| 17 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 39.9 |
| 18 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 39.5 |
| 19 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 32.9 |
| 20 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 32.3 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Memphis | Christian Brothers | East Tennessee State | Middle Tennessee State | Strayer University-Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,520 | $37,300 | $7,706 | $7,536 | $13,725 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | N/A% | 97% | 97% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 258 | 215 | 78 | 44 | 19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 93% | 88% | 87% | 68% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 67.0/100 | 64.8/100 | 64.0/100 | 60.0/100 | 59.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 17 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are East Tennessee State University, Strayer University-Tennessee, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 East Tennessee State | $7,706 | 97% | 78 | 64.0 |
| #2 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 19 | 59.4 |
| #3 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 31 | 56.1 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 6 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Middle Tennessee State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Memphis | $8,520 | N/A% | 258 | 67.0 |
| #2 Christian Brothers | $37,300 | N/A% | 215 | 64.8 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 44 | 60.0 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year), East Tennessee State University ($7,706/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 East Tennessee State | $7,706 | $30,824 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 258 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 67.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 258 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (258 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (93% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 215 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 64.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 215 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (215 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
CBU offers both undergraduate and graduate computer programs with flexible delivery options including fully online master's degrees, extensive laboratory experience, and the ability to complete specialized concentrations in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and data analytics.
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits for BS Computer Science, 33 credits for MS Computer Information Systems
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $169,510 median for computer and information systems managers
Available Specializations / Concentrations
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,706 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 78 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 64.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 78 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (78 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 44 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 60.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 44 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (44 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MTSU offers both Professional Studies with IT concentration designed for working adults with Prior Learning Assessment to convert workforce knowledge into credits, and a traditional Information Systems B.B.A. from a top 1.5% business school globally with $65,000 average starting salary.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $65,000
- Top Employers: Aerospace Testing Alliance, AllState Insurance, American Eagle Airlines, Bridgestone, Calsonic, Department of Veteran Affairs, Fisk University, Goodwill Industries, Olin Corp., United Healthcare, U.S. Postal Service, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Xerox, Amazon
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Strayer University-Tennessee
Memphis, TN • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 59.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 19 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 59.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Tennessee
Explore machine learning programs in Tennessee
Explore data science programs in Tennessee
Explore data analytics programs in Tennessee
Explore cybersecurity programs in Tennessee
Explore information security programs in Tennessee
Explore software engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Information Technology Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 20)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Information Technology in Tennessee FAQ
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.