Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
198 artificial intelligence graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
113 artificial intelligence graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Tennessee Technological University
129 artificial intelligence graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 24+ accredited artificial intelligence programs across public and private universities
- 2.Vanderbilt University leads with 99% 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)
Artificial Intelligence Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 24 accredited artificial intelligence programs, producing approximately 799 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 artificial intelligence programs in the state are led by Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 24 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Artificial Intelligence 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
Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 73.9 |
| 3 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 72 |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 70.1 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 65.9 |
| 6 | The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | Private | $53,418 | 100% | 53.9 |
| 7 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 51.8 |
| 8 | Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | Private | $54,082 | — | 51.5 |
| 9 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 50.1 |
| 10 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 49.8 |
| 11 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.8 |
| 12 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 48.6 |
| 13 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.5 |
| 14 | Lane College | Jackson, TN | Private | $9,270 | — | 45.6 |
| 15 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 40.9 |
| 16 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 40.9 |
| 17 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.5 |
| 18 | Tusculum University | Greeneville, TN | Private | $27,500 | — | 39.7 |
| 19 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 38.5 |
| 20 | Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, TN | Private | $32,900 | — | 37.3 |
| 21 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 36.8 |
| 22 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 35.9 |
| 23 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 31.7 |
| 24 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 30.5 |
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Vanderbilt | University of Tennessee-K... | Tennessee Technological | Middle Tennessee State | University of Tennessee-C... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,618 | $11,332 | $8,764 | $7,536 | $8,232 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 73% | 88% | 97% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 198 | 113 | 129 | 73 | 69 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 46% | 83% | 68% | 77% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 98.2/100 | 73.9/100 | 72.0/100 | 70.1/100 | 65.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 24 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee market.
A bachelor's in artificial intelligence typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 198 | 98.2 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 113 | 73.9 |
| #3 Tennessee Technological | $8,764 | 88% | 129 | 72.0 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 8 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 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 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 72 | 92.6 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 22 | 60.3 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 17 | 59.9 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Tennessee State University ($7,320/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/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 Artificial Intelligence Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence 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 Tennessee State | $7,320 | $29,280 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 artificial intelligence 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.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 198 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 198 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (198 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This certificate combines deep attention to how people think and learn in real-world settings with skill in leveraging emerging technologies to design for impactful change. Students capitalize on faculty expertise and human-centered design principles to support learning and human development in contexts both inside and outside of classrooms.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Completed Bachelor's degree
- •current enrollment in a master's or doctoral degree program within Vanderbilt University
Program Details
- Credits: 12
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 113 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 73.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 113 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (113 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a fully online Master's in Computer Science that can be completed in as few as 18 months from a top-ranked public engineering school. The program features expert faculty including White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leaders and National Science Foundation researchers, with specializations in high-demand areas like AI and cybersecurity.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Programming (Java, C, C++, and/or Python)
- •Data structures and algorithms
- •Computer architecture
- •Systems programming
- •Calculus (at least 1 semester)
- •Linear algebra
- •Discrete mathematics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 Credit Hours
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $62,000
- Job Placement: 91.4%
- Top Employers: More than 1,600 unique organizations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 129 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 72.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 129 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (129 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Tennessee Tech will be the first institution in Tennessee to offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence starting fall 2026, focusing on foundational AI engineering rather than applied AI. The program is housed in the Computer Science Department and leverages the newly launched MInDS Center to provide expertise in machine learning, data science, and ethical AI applications.
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 73 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (73 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 a high-demand interdisciplinary Data Science program and a new Computer Science Artificial Intelligence concentration, featuring real-world experiences through the Data Science Institute, capstone projects, and curriculum covering machine learning, neural networks, and intelligent systems. The programs combine computer science, statistics, and business analytics to create career-ready data-driven problem solvers.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 69 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UTC offers a Master's in Computer Science with specialized tracks in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, requiring only 33-36 credit hours. The program accommodates students from non-CS backgrounds with foundation courses and offers both online options and flexible thesis/project pathways.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •college-level Calculus
- •college-level Statistics
- •Foundation courses CPSC 5000, 5010, 5020
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.7 for CS/Computer Engineering degrees, 2.9 for others
Program Details
- Credits: 33 semester hours with thesis or 36 semester hours with project
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Scientist
SOC 15-2051Machine Learning Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI Research Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI Research Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
NLP Engineer
SOC 15-1299NLP Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1299Computer Vision Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
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 24)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree 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
Explore information technology programs in Tennessee
Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Artificial Intelligence in Tennessee FAQ
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
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