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Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee has 178 nursing programs across 43 cities. 64 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 95%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Tennessee programsAll states
178
Total programs
6
Program types
95%
Avg NCLEX rate
64
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Tennessee by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

1
Herzing University — BSN Program
BSN•Nashville, TN•-
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20

Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Tennessee by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

1
2
Belmont University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Nashville, TN•$43,750
3
4
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Union University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Jackson, TN•$38,450
10
11
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Knoxville, TN•$13,484 in / $31,974 out
12
Tennessee Technological University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Cookeville, TN•$10,084 in / $20,116 out
13
South College — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Knoxville, TN•$17,935
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Nursing Programs in Tennessee by Type

ADN
26 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View ADN in Tennessee→All states
BSN
34 programs
Avg NCLEX: 96%
View BSN in Tennessee→All states
ABSN
8 programs
Avg NCLEX: 95%
View ABSN in Tennessee→All states
RN to BSN
21 programs
View RN to BSN in Tennessee→All states
MSN
22 programs
Avg NCLEX: 95%
View MSN in Tennessee→All states
DNP
39 programs
Avg NCLEX: 95%
View DNP in Tennessee→All states

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Tennessee

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,936
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Henry/Carroll
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,008
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,008
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,070
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,308
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,419
TCAT Athens
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,419
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,419
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,419
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,419

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Tennessee?

There are 178 nursing programs in Tennessee, spanning 26 ADN, 34 BSN, 8 ABSN, 21 RN to BSN, 22 MSN, 39 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Tennessee?

Based on 64 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Tennessee is 95%. The highest rate is 100% at Jackson State Community College.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Tennessee?

The most affordable option is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton (CERT) at $3,936.

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