Updated December 2025

Best Network Administration Programs in Tennessee: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 6 top accredited network administration programs in Tennessee. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.

Programs Ranked:6
Median Salary:$108,470
Cost of Living:93.2%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Tennessee 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TNFor-Profit

1 network administration graduates annually, 100% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad Rate
53.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TNPrivate

2 network administration graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$36K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
49.0
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TNPrivate

1 network administration graduates annually, 75% graduation rate

$24K
Tuition/yr
75%
Grad Rate
43.6
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Tennessee offers 6+ accredited network administration programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Strayer University-Tennessee leads with 100% 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)

Network Administration Education in Tennessee: Overview

Tennessee offers 6 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 12 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 network administration programs in the state are led by Strayer University-Tennessee, Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Network Administration 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 Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis, TNFor-Profit$13,725100%53.4
2Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$35,84890%49
3Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale, TNPrivate$24,35075%43.6
4South CollegeKnoxville, TNFor-Profit$16,450โ€”43.4
5Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson, TNPrivate$25,000โ€”35.2
6Christian Brothers UniversityMemphis, TNPrivate$37,300โ€”34.7

Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side

SchoolStrayer University-TennesseeLipscombSouthern AdventistSouth CollegeFreed-Hardeman
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$13,725
$35,848
$24,350
$16,450
$25,000
Graduation Rate
100%
90%
75%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
1
2
1
3
3
Acceptance Rate
N/A
67%
67%
N/A
91%
Type
For-Profit
Private
Private
For-Profit
Private
Score
53.4/100
49.0/100
43.6/100
43.4/100
35.2/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 5 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Lipscomb University, Southern Adventist University, South College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee market.

A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Lipscomb
$35,848
90%
2
49.0
#2 Southern Adventist
$24,350
75%
1
43.6
#3 South College
$16,450
N/A%
1
40.9

Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee

For graduate study, Tennessee offers 2 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Strayer University-Tennessee, South College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.

Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Strayer University-Tennessee
$13,725
100%
1
53.4
#2 South College
$16,450
N/A%
3
43.4

Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in Tennessee

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in Tennessee are at Strayer University-Tennessee ($13,725/year), South College ($16,450/year), Southern Adventist University ($24,350/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.

At Strayer University-Tennessee, a 4-year degree costs approximately $54,900 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Network Administration Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Strayer University-Tennessee
$13,725
$54,900
1.3 years
For-Profit
#2 South College
$16,450
$65,800
1.6 years
For-Profit
#3 Southern Adventist
$24,350
$97,400
2.4 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in Tennessee

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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

Strayer University-Tennessee

Memphis, TN โ€ข For-Profit

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,725 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 1 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 53.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 100% graduation rate
  • 1 network administration graduates annually
  • For-Profit institution
  • Overall score: 53.4 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $35,848 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 49.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 2 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 49.0 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Information Technology program at Lipscomb University offers small class sizes with experienced faculty who care about students personally, combined with strong industry connections in Middle Tennessee and an impressive 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

Program Details
  • Credits: 126
  • Internship Required
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 97% job placement rate
#3

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $24,350 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 1 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 75% graduation rate
  • 1 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 43.6 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

South College

Knoxville, TN โ€ข For-Profit

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $16,450 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 network administration graduates annually
  • For-Profit institution
  • Overall score: 43.4 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $25,000 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 35.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 35.2 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

FHU's Cybersecurity program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering network security, encryption, digital forensics and ethical hacking with hands-on learning in state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs. Expert faculty bring industry experience into the classroom, and the program emphasizes practical experiences to prepare students for high-demand cybersecurity careers.

Admissions
  • Acceptance Rate: 90.6%
$75,929
Starting Salary
$108,470
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,277
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,397

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$107,621

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$105,346

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$120,599
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,440

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 6)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Network Administration Programs in Other States

Network Administration 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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