Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Tennessee 2025
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
263 information systems graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Vanderbilt University
60 information systems graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Middle Tennessee State University
71 information systems graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 23+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
- 2.The University of Tennessee-Knoxville leads with 73% 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 Systems Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 23 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 1,116 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 systems programs in the state are led by The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 23 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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 Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 82.9 |
| 2 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 79 |
| 3 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 66.9 |
| 4 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 66.6 |
| 5 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 64.5 |
| 6 | Strayer University-Tennessee | Memphis, TN | For-Profit | $13,725 | 100% | 59.3 |
| 7 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 54.2 |
| 8 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 51 |
| 9 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Private | $39,400 | 97% | 50.2 |
| 10 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 49.3 |
| 11 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.5 |
| 12 | Cumberland University | Lebanon, TN | Private | $26,640 | 84% | 47.8 |
| 13 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Public | $7,706 | 97% | 47.8 |
| 14 | Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | Private | $25,680 | 87% | 47.1 |
| 15 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 47 |
| 16 | King University | Bristol, TN | Private | $32,902 | — | 45.7 |
| 17 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 43.1 |
| 18 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 43 |
| 19 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 42.7 |
| 20 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.1 |
| 21 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 39.9 |
| 22 | The University of Tennessee Southern | Pulaski, TN | Public | $9,270 | — | 33.8 |
| 23 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 30.1 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Tennessee-K... | Vanderbilt | Middle Tennessee State | U of Memphis | Christian Brothers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,332 | $61,618 | $7,536 | $8,520 | $37,300 |
| Graduation Rate | 73% | 99% | 97% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 263 | 60 | 71 | 258 | 215 |
| Acceptance Rate | 46% | 6% | 68% | 93% | 88% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 82.9/100 | 79.0/100 | 66.9/100 | 66.6/100 | 64.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 20 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Middle 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 systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 71 | 66.9 |
| #2 Strayer University-Tennessee | $13,725 | 100% | 19 | 59.3 |
| #3 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 31 | 63.4 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 9 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 263 | 82.9 |
| #2 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 60 | 79.0 |
| #3 U of Memphis | $8,520 | N/A% | 258 | 66.6 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems 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 Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems 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 Systems Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 263 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 82.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 263 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (263 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Sciences program offers unique flexibility with both in-person and online course options, allowing students to be creative problem solvers who can make meaningful impact in public and private sector careers. Students can choose from four specialized concentrations and benefit from curriculum that evolves with advancing technology.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 60 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 79.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 60 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 79.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (60 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% 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 Systems Graduates: 71 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 66.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 71 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (71 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Systems program at MTSU offers graduates an average starting salary of $65,000 and is housed in the Jones College of Business, which ranks in the top 1.5% of business schools worldwide. Students benefit from extensive experiential learning opportunities and industry connections through events like the IT Connect career fair.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $65,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 258 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 66.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 258 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Memphis MIS program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees with fully online options and an accelerated BBA+MS program. The curriculum focuses on managerial-level activities using team activities, case studies and real-world projects to develop skills for effective management of organizational communications technologies and information resources.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,300 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 215 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 64.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 215 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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 cybersecurity and graduate computer information systems programs with flexible delivery options including fully online study. The programs feature hands-on learning through a Digital Forensics Lab and corporate partnerships for internships, with completion possible in 18 months for full-time graduate students.
Program Details
- Credits: 33 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $169,510 median salary for computer and information systems managers
Career Paths
Software Developer
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Data Scientist
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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.
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 23)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Information Systems Programs in Other States
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Information Systems 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
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.