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The Nashville metropolitan region lays claim to 30 higher learning institutions, including four-year and community colleges as well as graduate-level universities and technical training schools. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce cites that over 70,000 people in the metropolitan area hold graduate degrees and over 51 percent of residents over the age of 25 attended at least one year of college. For a population of 624,000, those numbers represent a city that is not only comparatively educated but also a source of potential post-educational career opportunities.
Colleges in Nashville
Nashville State Community College is the city's largest community college, with six campuses across Tennessee and the main campus in Nashville, serving a total of over 9,800 students. NSCC's mix of programs includes online courses catering to hectic student schedules and Workforce Community Development programs offering credited and non-credited training in subjects relevant to specific industries and community businesses local to Nashville. The city and its nearby areas feature additional options such as Motlow State Community College and Volunteer State Community College.
Tennessee State University in Nashville is the city's largest public research university, with bachelor's through doctorate-level programs available to over 9,000 students. TSU offers a downtown campus in addition to its 500-acre main campus. TSU's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports students in STEM disciplines such as science, technology and engineering.
Vanderbilt University, one of the country's most selective private research universities, attracts over 12,000 students to its undergraduate, graduate and professional schools in Nashville. Vanderbilt is known for its academic and sports programs, and its campus is also an arboretum. Fisk University, Lipscomb University, Aquinas College and Belmont University are smaller private universities based in Nashville, which is home to far more private colleges than public institutions.
Nashville also features some specialty schools such as the John A. Gupton College, focusing on funeral arts and sciences, as well as the Watkins College of Art Design & Film. The Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville has on-campus classes allowing hands-on learning in fields that may dove-tail with the local music economy, such as audio production and engineering. The following are some of the colleges and specialty schools based in Nashville.
| SCHOOL | NUMBER OF STUDENTS | PUBLIC/PRIVATE |
| Aquinas College | 646 | Private |
| Fisk University | 533 | Private |
| Lipscomb University | 4,010 | Private |
| Belmont University | 6,395 | Private |
| Vanderbilt University | 12,836 | Private |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | 2,478 | Private |
| Watkins College of Art, Design & Film | 394 | Private |
| American Baptist College | 101 | Private |
| Tennessee State University | 9,165 | Public |
| Remington College - Nashville | 373 | Private |
| John A. Gupton College | 147 | Private |
| Free Will Bible Baptist College | 290 | Private |
| Nashville State Community College | 9,876 | Public |
Online Colleges in Nashville
Among the numerous Nashville colleges with online degree programs or courses, Tennessee State University, Nashville State Community College and Vanderbilt University allow students to take individual courses or earn degrees completely online. TSU's distance education for-credit classes utilize delivery methods such as interactive video instruction (ITV/VOIP), fully online courses and hybrid programs blending online and on-campus studies. Online degree options at TSU include a bachelor's in urban studies as well as a master's program for RNs studying holistic nursing.
Lipscomb University, a private entity, offers a fully online MBA program that can be completed in 18-22 months, depending on a student's schedule and commitments. The school even issues its online MBA students an iPad upon enrollment. Remington College, which describes itself as nonprofit and non-traditional, has a Nashville location and also offers online associate and bachelor degree programs in areas such as business, management, marketing, criminal justice and paralegal studies.
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Top Industries, Careers and Employers
With the nickname Music City, Nashville sees representation from major record labels, including Sony, Warner and Universal Music Group, among hundreds more independent music labels. The legendary Gibson Guitar Corp. has also called Nashville home since inception. Music industry related companies offer an employment base to put business types, marketers and engineers to work, along with the city's throngs of musicians.
Many national and global companies have built substantial operations or based their headquarters in the Nashville metropolitan area. Nissan North America, Vanguard Health Systems, Servpro Industries, AT&T, SunTrust, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Electrolux, Schneider Electric and Amazon.com have a major presence in the city and its surrounding towns.
A span of industries operate in Nashville but, overall, health care is the biggest and fastest growing sector. Over 300 domestic and international health care companies have a base in the city, encompassing hospital, ambulatory and outpatient surgery; medical research; disease treatment and management; and health care support services. Recognized names in the industry include Vanguard Health Systems, HCA Corporation, Community Health Systems and LifePoint Hospitals. Nashville employers in fields such as health services, technology and finance generally seek prospective employees with a postsecondary education.
Colleges & Universities in Nashville
#1 Higher Education & Online Colleges in Nashville
Fisk University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Campus
Fisk University provides premier study opportunities through its hybrid programs. Presently, the college supports 19 bachelor's programs. Whether leaners study on campus or online, they benefit from rigorous core curriculums, skilled faculty, and supportive learning environments.
Enrollees complete advanced and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their field of study. Students can further their learning by pursuing internships and research projects.
Degree candidates benefit from institutional resources like career services and academic advising. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the institution, 94% of all incoming students receive financial aid. Institutional support contributes to the college's 50% graduation rate.
#2 Higher Education & Online Colleges in Nashville
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lipscomb University provides college-level degrees to learners near and far. The private institution provides 122 bachelor's degrees and 35 master's degrees, three of which run online.
Every student benefits from a supportive learning community, complete with skilled faculty and industry-relevant coursework. Enrollees complete industry-specific and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Degree-seekers can further their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.
Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program. Interested applicants can learn more about scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities through the financial aid office. Applicants should know that 97% of all enrollees receive financial aid. Institutional support contributes to the college's 68% graduation rate.
#3 Higher Education & Online Colleges in Nashville
Belmont University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Campus
Belmont University is private school supporting in-person and online programs. Learners can choose from 87 bachelor's degrees. Enrollees benefit from rigorous core curriculums, skilled faculty, and supportive learning environments.
Degree candidates complete foundational and advanced coursework in their subject area. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Throughout their studies, degree candidates benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 92% receive internal and external funding awards. Of all admitted students, 72% graduate from the college.
#4 Higher Education & Online Colleges in Nashville
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking to earn a flexible degree should consider an education through Trevecca Nazarene University. To date, the institution supports 69 bachelor's degrees, 11 of which run fully online. Students continuing their education can select from 19 master's degrees, 15 of which run fully online.
Degree-seekers across modalities benefit from a supportive learning community, attentive faculty, and competitive degree options. Enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework as part of their program curriculum. Students can pursue additional learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Enrollees can access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. The college notes that approximately 100% of all incoming learners receive financial aid. Out of all applicants, 62% are admitted to the college.
#5 Higher Education & Online Colleges in Nashville
Watkins College of Art Design & Film
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Campus
Watkins College of Art Design & Film provides premier study opportunities through its hybrid programs. The school supports seven bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree.
Whether in person or online, enrollees benefit from a rigorous curriculum, engaged faculty, and experiential learning opportunities. Degree-seekers complete industry-specific and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects, pursue internships, and explore other experiential learning opportunities during their program.
The college connects students with numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. To learn more about funding opportunities, applicants can meet with the financial aid office. Typically, 100% of all admitted students receive financial aid. The institution reports a 42% graduation rate.