Updated December 2025

Best Mobile Development Programs in Tennessee: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 25 top accredited mobile development programs in Tennessee. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.

Programs Ranked:25
Median Salary:$108,470
Cost of Living:93.2%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Mobile Development Programs in Tennessee 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TNPrivate

198 mobile development graduates annually, 99% graduation rate

$62K
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad Rate
98.2
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TNPublic

113 mobile development graduates annually, 73% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad Rate
73.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TNPublic

129 mobile development graduates annually, 88% graduation rate

$9K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
72.0
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Tennessee offers 25+ accredited mobile development 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)

Mobile Development Education in Tennessee: Overview

Tennessee offers 25 accredited mobile development programs, producing approximately 808 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 mobile development 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.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Mobile Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Tennessee Mobile Development Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$61,61899%98.2
2The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TNPublic$11,33273%73.9
3Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, TNPublic$8,76488%72
4Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TNPublic$7,53697%70.1
5The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TNPublic$8,23291%65.9
6The University of the SouthSewanee, TNPrivate$53,418100%53.9
7University of MemphisMemphis, TNPublic$8,520โ€”51.8
8Rhodes CollegeMemphis, TNPrivate$54,082โ€”51.5
9Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$35,84890%51.5
10Milligan UniversityMilligan, TNPrivate$37,70086%49.8
11Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TNPrivate$24,35075%48.8
12Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TNPublic$7,32088%48.6
13The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin, TNPublic$8,54694%48.5
14Lane CollegeJackson, TNPrivate$9,270โ€”45.6
15Belmont UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$39,40097%43.3
16Union UniversityJackson, TNPrivate$19,476โ€”42.3
17Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TNPublic$7,008โ€”40.9
18South CollegeKnoxville, TNFor-Profit$16,450โ€”40.9
19Tusculum UniversityGreeneville, TNPrivate$27,500โ€”39.7
20Lee UniversityCleveland, TNPrivate$21,960โ€”38.5
21Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$28,590โ€”37.7
22Carson-Newman UniversityJefferson City, TNPrivate$32,900โ€”37.3
23Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TNPrivate$37,300โ€”36.8
24Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson, TNPrivate$25,000โ€”31.7
25Le Moyne-Owen CollegeMemphis, TNPrivate$10,776โ€”30.5

Top 5 Mobile Development Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side

SchoolVanderbiltUniversity of Tennessee-K...Tennessee TechnologicalMiddle Tennessee StateUniversity 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 Mobile Development in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 25 bachelor's-level mobile development 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 mobile development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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 Mobile Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee

For graduate study, Tennessee offers 8 master's-level mobile development 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 Mobile Development Master's Programs in Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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 Mobile Development Colleges in Tennessee

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable mobile development 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 Mobile Development Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Mobile Development Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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 Mobile Development Schools in Tennessee

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 mobile development 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.

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 198 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 99% graduation rate
  • 198 mobile development 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.

#2

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 113 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 73.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 73% graduation rate
  • 113 mobile development 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.

#31 Designation

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 129 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 72.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • 129 mobile development 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 offers an accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology with Cybersecurity concentration that can be completed in one year with six terms of intense year-round learning, designed to maximize student learning through internship experiences throughout the program. The university is ranked #1 in Tennessee for return on investment and has partnerships with local employers to address IT and Cybersecurity needs in the Chattanooga area.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
Available Scholarships
$Scholarships and supplementary stipends are available for enrolled students
$Tech Promise
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ข60 credit hours including general education and basic science (minimum of two science courses)
  • โ€ขmath courses including college level statistic and a minimum of pre-calculus MATH 1720 or MATH 1730
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 60 credit hours taken at UTC
  • Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cybersecurity
#4

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 73 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 73 mobile development 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.

#51 Designation

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 69 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 69 mobile development 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

This transformative, accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Information Technology in Cybersecurity can be completed by full-time students in just one year with six terms of intense year-round learning. The program integrates workplace learning through required internship experiences and is designed to quickly move students to the workplace while equipping them with advanced industry IT and security skills for advanced certifications like CISSP, CISM, CISA, and NCSF.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
Available Scholarships
$Scholarships and supplementary stipends are available for enrolled students
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขminimum of 60 credit hours including general education and basic science
  • โ€ขminimum of two science courses
  • โ€ขmath courses including college level statistic and a minimum of pre-calculus MATH 1720 or MATH 1730
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.2
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 120 hours
  • Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cybersecurity
$75,929
Starting Salary
$108,470
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
7,837
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$124,915

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$127,239

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$129,781

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$100,090
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$116,599

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Tennessee if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 25)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Mobile Development Programs in Other States

Mobile Development 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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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