Top 3 UX Design Programs in Tennessee 2025
Lipscomb University
28 ux design graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Belmont University
24 ux design graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Johnson University
2 ux design graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 9+ accredited ux design programs across public and private universities
- 2.Lipscomb University leads with 90% 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)
UX Design Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 9 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 72 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Lipscomb University, Belmont University, Johnson University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 62.5 |
| 2 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Private | $39,400 | 97% | 57 |
| 3 | Johnson University | Knoxville, TN | Private | $18,428 | 87% | 50.8 |
| 4 | Maryville College | Maryville, TN | Private | $37,618 | 95% | 48.9 |
| 5 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Public | $7,706 | 97% | 47.8 |
| 6 | King University | Bristol, TN | Private | $32,902 | — | 44.4 |
| 7 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 42.9 |
| 8 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 38.3 |
| 9 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 37 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Lipscomb | Belmont | Johnson | Maryville College | East Tennessee State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $35,848 | $39,400 | $18,428 | $37,618 | $7,706 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 97% | 87% | 95% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 28 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67% | 96% | 54% | 66% | 87% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 62.5/100 | 57.0/100 | 50.8/100 | 48.9/100 | 47.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 8 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Lipscomb University, Belmont University, Johnson University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lipscomb | $35,848 | 90% | 28 | 62.5 |
| #2 Belmont | $39,400 | 97% | 24 | 57.0 |
| #3 Johnson | $18,428 | 87% | 2 | 50.8 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 1 master's-level ux design programs. Leading institutions include East 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 UX Design Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 East Tennessee State | $7,706 | 97% | 3 | 47.8 |
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Tennessee are at East Tennessee State University ($7,706/year), Johnson University ($18,428/year), Union University ($19,476/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At East Tennessee State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,824 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 East Tennessee State | $7,706 | $30,824 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Johnson | $18,428 | $73,712 | 1.8 years | Private |
| #3 Union | $19,476 | $77,904 | 1.9 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,848 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 62.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 28 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This graduate certificate program provides comprehensive training in both user experience and user interface design, covering the complete UX design process from research through implementation with emphasis on practical skills including wireframing, prototyping, and project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
Program Details
- Credits: 18 credit hours
Belmont University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $39,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 24 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 57.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 24 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 57.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,428 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 50.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 2 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Johnson & Wales University's Design program offers a 3-year bachelor's degree with real-world client projects from day one, culminating in a 6-credit internship and capstone portfolio showcased to industry professionals. Students work across three focus areas with external partners and community organizations, ensuring portfolio-ready outcomes in every course.
Program Details
- Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Maryville College
Maryville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 48.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 1 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Maryville's Computer Science program offers specialized tracks including User Experience along with a personalized learning approach that has achieved 98% job placement within six months. The program is available in both online and on-campus formats with corresponding certificate programs for each specialization track.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 98 percent of Maryville graduates obtain a job in their chosen field or attend graduate school within six months of graduating
Available Specializations / Concentrations
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,706 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 3 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ETSU's Master of Science in Information Systems offers a User Experience Engineering concentration within a technically-oriented degree program that can be completed in-person, online, or in combination format. The program includes hands-on capstone options including independent projects, group software development, or thesis research.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 33 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
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 9)
- 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 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
Ux Design Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
UX Design 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.