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10 Best Colleges for Job Opportunities in Tennessee for 2026
As incoming college freshmen weigh their options for higher education, one of the most critical factors they consider is how attending a particular school can enhance their career prospects. In an increasingly competitive job market, students need to choose institutions that offer robust support for job placement and career advancement.
In 2026, Tennessee stands out as a state that offers a diverse range of educational opportunities. With a mix of prestigious research universities and quality state colleges, students can pursue programs that not only align with their interests but also equip them with the skills needed for the evolving job landscape.
Given the number of excellent colleges in Tennessee, we investigated which institutions are most likely to help their graduates secure employment. Utilizing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the best colleges for job opportunities in Tennessee.
Below is the list of the top ten colleges in Tennessee for job placement:
- Rhodes College
- Belmont University
- Fisk University
- Vanderbilt University
- Maryville College
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- The University of the South
- Christian Brothers University
- Tusculum University
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
If you’re attending one of these institutions, it’s likely you already appreciate the excellent opportunities available to you. For those considering these schools, keep reading to discover why these colleges are recognized for providing outstanding job placement programs.
How We Determined the Best Schools in Tennessee for Jobs
To create this list, we analyzed data from the College Scorecard, focusing on colleges in Tennessee with the highest job placement rates. Our criteria included employment statistics ten years after graduation, which provide valuable insights into the long-term success of graduates.
We concentrated on 37 public and non-profit, four-year institutions in Tennessee that offer bachelor’s degrees. Each college was ranked based on the percentage of graduates who secured employment. For clarity, each school’s rating was rounded to two decimal places.
Rhodes College emerged as the top institution, boasting the highest percentage of graduates employed, earning the title of ‘Best College for Jobs in Tennessee.’
Best Colleges for Getting a Job in Tennessee
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhodes College | 92.78% |
| 2 | Belmont University | 91.69% |
| 3 | Fisk University | 91.32% |
| 4 | Vanderbilt University | 90.98% |
| 5 | Maryville College | 90.84% |
| 6 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 90.52% |
| 7 | The University of the South | 90.44% |
| 8 | Christian Brothers University | 90.39% |
| 9 | Tusculum University | 90.23% |
| 10 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | 90.21% |
| 11 | King University | 90.19% |
| 12 | Tennessee Technological University | 90.1% |
| 13 | Tennessee Wesleyan University | 89.93% |
| 14 | Lipscomb University | 89.62% |
| 15 | Tennessee State University | 89.54% |
| 16 | Lane College | 89.44% |
| 17 | Cumberland University | 89.36% |
| 18 | Carson-Newman University | 88.92% |
| 19 | Middle Tennessee State University | 88.84% |
| 20 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | 88.56% |
| 21 | University of Memphis | 88.51% |
| 22 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 88.17% |
| 23 | Union University | 88.08% |
| 24 | Freed-Hardeman University | 88.0% |
| 25 | Bethel University | 87.91% |
| 26 | Lincoln Memorial University | 87.34% |
| 27 | Bryan College-Dayton | 86.58% |
| 28 | Johnson University | 86.43% |
| 29 | Lee University | 86.2% |
| 30 | Le Moyne-Owen College | 85.99% |
| 31 | East Tennessee State University | 85.65% |
| 32 | Hiwassee College | 85.6% |
| 33 | Southern Adventist University | 85.15% |
| 34 | Remington College-Memphis Campus | 83.25% |
| 35 | Austin Peay State University | 83.25% |
| 36 | Watkins College of Art Design & Film | 82.31% |
| 37 | Martin Methodist College | 82.29% |
In conclusion, selecting the right college can significantly impact your career trajectory. The institutions listed above not only provide quality education but also prioritize job placement, making them excellent choices for students aiming to enter the workforce successfully. As the job market continues to evolve in 2026, these colleges in Tennessee will remain pivotal in preparing graduates for future challenges and opportunities.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
