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Tennessee State University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Tennessee State University
$8,568 vs $13,484
Easier to get into
Tennessee State University
92.6% vs 46.0% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Tennessee State University
RN to BSN
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationNashville, TNKnoxville, TN
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate
Acceptance rate92.6%BEST46.0%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$8,568 in / $22,284 outBEST$13,484 in / $31,974 out
In-state tuition$8,568BEST$13,484
Out-of-state tuition$22,284BEST$31,974
Clinical placement
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Tennessee State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

Tennessee State University is the more affordable option at roughly $8,568, compared to $13,484. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville the same type of program?

Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.