Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
198 machine learning graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
113 machine learning graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Tennessee Technological University
129 machine learning graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 24+ accredited machine learning 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)
Machine Learning Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 24 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 810 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 machine learning 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning 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 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 51.5 |
| 10 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 50.1 |
| 11 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 49.8 |
| 12 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.8 |
| 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 Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 24 bachelor's-level machine learning 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 machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 8 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 218 | 98.2 |
| #2 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 17 | 55.3 |
| #3 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 22 | 55.1 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning 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 Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 198 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 198 machine learning 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 human cognition and learning with emerging AI technologies, leveraging faculty expertise in human-centered design principles. Students work with the LIVE Learning Innovation Incubator to develop cutting-edge learning innovations with real-world impact.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Completed Bachelor's degree
- •current enrollment in a master's or doctoral degree program within Vanderbilt University
Program Details
- Credits: 12 credits
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 113 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 73.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 113 machine learning 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 hands-on AI and machine learning programs with industry partnerships, paid internships, and project-based learning that prepare students for a rapidly growing field where AI adoption is expanding 37.3% between 2023 and 2030.
Program Details
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $110,000
- Job Placement: Nearly 90 percent within six months
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 129 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 72.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 129 machine learning 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 become the first institution in Tennessee to offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on foundational AI engineering rather than applied AI, with support from the dedicated Machine Intelligence and Data Science Center launched in 2024.
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
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 73 machine learning 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 undergraduate and graduate Data Science programs with three specialized concentrations including Advanced Machine Learning, real-world project experience through their Data Science Institute, and recognition as award winners from the Nashville Technology Council. The program combines interdisciplinary coursework in computer science, statistics, and business analytics with hands-on experiences like data dives and hackathons.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 69 machine learning 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.
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.
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 artificial intelligence 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
Machine Learning Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Machine Learning 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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