College Costs in Nashville, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 35 colleges in Nashville, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$50,624
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,347
per month
Colleges & Universities
35
institutions
Nashville Overview
Population
689,447
Student Population
23,290 (3.4%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
55/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Nashville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,624
Total After Financial Aid
$90,624
Annual Cost
$22,656
Annual After Aid
$22,656
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,624 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,029 |
| Total Interest | $32,858 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,482 |
Universities in Nashville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | Private | $60,348 |
| Belmont University | Private | $40,900 |
| Tennessee State University | Public | $9,312 |
| Nashville State Community College | Community | $4,320 |
Nashville has 35 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Nashville vs. National Average
| Category | Nashville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,347 | $1,050 | +$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Nashville's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Nashville
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
23,290 students
Nashville has a total population of 689,447, with approximately 23,290 college students (3.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Nashville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Nashville
$48,508
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Nashville earn a median starting salary of $48,508, which is $13,508 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,624 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,603 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Memphis
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Knoxville
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,792
Chattanooga
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,648
Clarksville
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Murfreesboro
10 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Johnson City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Cookeville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
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