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Key Takeaways
Best ux design degree programs: Lipscomb, Belmont, Johnson
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,224 to $39,400/year
Volunteer State Community... offers the most affordable option at $4,224/yr
UX Design degree programs available: 1 associate's, 1 master's in Tennessee
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online ux design degree programs in Tennessee
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Tennessee community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft
Tech hubs in Nashville and Knoxville
Hakia Research 2026
UX Design degree programs near 63+ cities across Tennessee
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Tennessee UX Design programs
We rank 10 accredited ux design programs in Tennessee using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are UX Design Degree Programs in Tennessee Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
UX Design Degree Rankings in Tennessee
Compare the top-ranked UX Design programs in Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's UX Design Programs in Tennessee
Program Landscape
Tennessee offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in ux design, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Volunteer State Community..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Tennessee offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,224/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,659 in Tennessee.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Tennessee's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among ux design schools in Tennessee, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their ux design degrees in Tennessee.
Best Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Tennessee
Program Landscape
Tennessee ranks among the nation's top destinations for ux design education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 8 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Lipscomb, Belmont, Johnson, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Tennessee ux design programs earn a median salary of $92,200, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $18,428 to $39,400 annually, with an average of $29,658/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 92%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Tennessee's leading technology employers. For students seeking ux design degrees in Tennessee, these top-ranked ux design schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 47.3 |
| #7 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 44.0 |
| #8 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 42.7 |
Best Master's UX Design Programs in Tennessee
Program Landscape
Tennessee offers 1 master's degree programs in ux design, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, East Tennessee State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,706/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Tennessee's ux design schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
UX Design Degree Costs & Tuition in Tennessee
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $24,919/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $62,298/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,230/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $149,516 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,378 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for UX Design Students in Tennessee
State Aid Programs
Tennessee offers exceptional financial aid opportunities for students pursuing UX Design degrees. The state's flagship programs, Tennessee Promise and Tennessee HOPE, provide substantial support for eligible students. Tennessee Promise covers full tuition and fees at community colleges, making programs like Volunteer State Community College's 18-completion associate degree highly accessible. Tennessee HOPE provides up to $4,500 annually for qualifying students at four-year institutions (Tennessee Promise/HOPE). Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, creating a significant long-term financial advantage for graduates working in the state (Tennessee Higher Education Commission).
Key Programs & Amounts
All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). Many Tennessee institutions offer institutional scholarships specifically for design and technology programs. Vanderbilt University, ranked #1 for bachelor's programs, and Middle Tennessee State University, ranked #2 with tuition of $7,536, both provide merit-based aid packages. Students exploring community college pathways benefit from Tennessee Transfer Pathways, which guarantees smooth credit transfer to four-year programs (Tennessee Transfer Pathways). Combined with state and federal aid, these pathways make UX Design education affordable across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator, Tennessee
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree in Tennessee. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+592%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,094,847
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$104,762
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
UX Design Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Tennessee metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $119K |
| Knoxville | $114K |
| Memphis | $108K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring UX Design Graduates in Tennessee
Find ux design jobs in Tennessee. These major employers across Tennessee metro areas are actively hiring ux design degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
UX Design Jobs in Nashville
TNUX Design Jobs in Knoxville
TNUX Design Jobs in Memphis
TNTransfer Pathways for UX Design Degrees in Tennessee
State Transfer System
Tennessee's Transfer Pathways system facilitates seamless progression from community colleges to four-year universities, enabling students to earn an associate's degree and transfer credits without loss or duplication. Tennessee operates 2 community colleges offering UX Design associate's programs, including the prominent Volunteer State Community College with 18 completions annually (Tennessee Transfer Pathways). The state's Transfer Pathways guarantees that credits earned at accredited community colleges transfer fully to participating four-year institutions, eliminating barriers and reducing time-to-degree. Students pursuing an associate's degree at Jackson State Community College or Volunteer State Community College can smoothly transition to bachelor's programs at Lipscomb University, Belmont University, or state universities like Middle Tennessee State University and East Tennessee State University (College Scorecard).
How Transfers Work
Associate's programs cost significantly less. Volunteer State Community College charges $4,224 annually, and are covered by Tennessee Promise, which pays full community college tuition for eligible students (Tennessee Promise/HOPE). After earning the associate's degree in UX Design or a related field like Web Development, students transfer to bachelor's programs with junior standing, completing their final two years at universities offering more specialized and advanced coursework. Articulation agreements between specific community colleges and universities guarantee course equivalencies and streamlined enrollment. To explore your transfer pathway, consult Tennessee Transfer Pathways directly, and compare options across Web Development in Tennessee and Information Technology in Tennessee to identify the most strategic educational sequence.
Why Pursue an UX Design Degree in Tennessee?
Industry & Workforce
Tennessee offers a strong ecosystem for UX Design education with 13 institutions delivering specialized programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state hosts 9 bachelor's programs and 2 master's programs, producing 69 bachelor's graduates and 3 master's graduates annually. Leading institutions like Lipscomb University and Belmont University dominate the field with 28 and 24 completions respectively, establishing Tennessee as a meaningful hub for design education. For students seeking top-ranked options, Vanderbilt University ranks as the premier choice, though more affordable alternatives like Middle Tennessee State University and East Tennessee State University provide excellent value at $7,536 and $7,706 in annual tuition respectively (College Scorecard).
Salary Outlook
Tennessee's major metropolitan areas. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, host thriving tech communities supported by employers including Amazon, FedEx, and Nissan, creating abundant internship and career placement opportunities. A distinctive financial advantage is Tennessee's zero state income tax, meaning graduates retain more earnings compared to peers in other states. Students can further leverage state financial aid programs like Tennessee Promise and HOPE, which cover community college tuition and up to $4,500 annually at four-year institutions (Tennessee Promise/HOPE). Explore related design and tech programs like Web Development in Tennessee, Game Development in Tennessee, and Information Technology in Tennessee to build a comprehensive technical skill set.
Tennessee Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue
UX Design Job Market & Salary Data in Tennessee
Employment Outlook
Tennessee's UX design job market is growing steadily, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee's tech sector continues to expand, creating demand for skilled UX designers across multiple industries. The state's lack of income tax provides a significant financial advantage for professionals entering the field, allowing designers to retain more of their earnings compared to residents in other states. This competitive advantage has attracted both established tech companies and startups to establish operations throughout the state.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest job markets for UX designers exist in Nashville and Knoxville, where major employers and tech-forward companies have established substantial operations. The Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area, in particular, is a regional technology hub with growing demand for digital experience professionals. Entry-level and mid-career positions are increasingly available across healthcare technology, e-commerce, and software development sectors. Students graduating from Tennessee programs benefit from Tennessee's strong employment market data, which shows consistent demand for digital design professionals. For detailed salary and employment projections, the College Scorecard provides comprehensive post-graduation employment metrics for Tennessee institutions.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus UX Design Programs in Tennessee
Online Programs
4 available in Tennessee
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare UX Design Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $14,200
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $2,400
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $2,400
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $5,300
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $19,900
UX Design Degree Programs in Tennessee: FAQ
What are the best ux design degree programs in Tennessee?
How much do ux design degree programs cost in Tennessee?
What salary can ux design degree graduates earn in Tennessee?
Are there online ux design degree programs in Tennessee?
What companies hire ux design degree graduates in Tennessee?
Is an ux design degree program worth it in Tennessee?
How long do ux design degree programs take in Tennessee?
What financial aid is available for ux design degree students in Tennessee?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Tennessee salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.