Best Accounting Programs in Tennessee

With more than 80 colleges and universities, Tennessee offers plenty of accounting degrees to choose from. Many schools in the state offer convenient and flexible online accounting programs.

All degree levels can open doors to accounting careers in Tennessee. Accounting graduates may pursue positions as bookkeeping and auditing clerks, financial managers, and cost estimators.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Tennessee is home to nearly 19,000 accountants and auditors. Projections Central projects a 16.4% job growth rate for these professionals from 2018-2028.

Our guide explains why students should consider pursuing an online accounting degree in Tennessee. We describe what to expect from a typical program and look at career and salary potential for graduates who stay in the state. Readers can also explore our list of some of Tennessee’s best accounting schools.

This guide highlights the five best accounting schools in Tennessee. Click the link below for details about our ranking methodology.

Tennessee offers many potential benefits to prospective accounting students. Students in the state pay average tuition rates, but many still find Tennessee relatively inexpensive due to its low cost of living. Students can save money on housing and other essentials in Tennessee, where those expenses cost less than in most other states.

Tennessee employs large numbers of accountants and auditors, bookkeeping and auditing clerks, and financial managers.

Tennessee hosts more than 80 colleges, located all over the state. The cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis feature some of the state’s largest universities. School location can still affect students earning their accounting degrees online, because some distance education programs include on-campus components.

Earning an accounting degree in Tennessee can yield more benefits for learners planning to stay in the state after graduation. Graduates can take advantage of the local networks they developed in college. These connections may lead to internship or job opportunities.

Educational attainment rates in Tennessee lag slightly behind the national average. Still, the state invests significant resources in higher education. Tennessee allocates more of its tax revenue toward higher education than the national average. The state spends nearly $11,000 per full-time college student.

Tennessee residents can choose from 62 four-year colleges and 24 two-year colleges. Learn more about Tennessee’s key education statistics in the table below.

Accredited schools are more likely to offer high-quality education and career preparation. Students should look for institutional and program-specific accreditation.

Institutional accreditors evaluate schools’ academic programs, faculty, campus resources, and student services. Students who attend accredited schools can more easily transfer credits to other institutions. Many graduate schools and professional certification programs expect learners to hold degrees from accredited schools.

When looking for online accounting degrees in Tennessee, seek schools with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students can find a school’s accreditation status using the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s searchable directories.

Selecting a college program requires you to ask yourself several important questions. Do you want to study completely online, like 27% of Tennessee college students did in 2020? Do you prefer an affordable public institution? Or are you willing to pay more to enroll at a private college?

Below, we consider these factors and discuss popular degree formats. We also look at average tuition, cost of living, and other relevant state statistics. This information can help you decide whether earning an accounting degree in Tennessee is the right choice.

Whether you prioritize flexibility or in-person networking, the best accounting schools offer programs to fit your needs. Consider the following comparisons of on-campus and online accounting degrees in Tennessee.

Tennessee is home to dozens of college campuses with attractive landscaping and well-funded facilities. Learners who study on campus may live in on-site housing or commute to class from their homes. On-campus degrees may appeal to first-time degree-seekers interested in an immersive, traditional college experience.

Students who earn an accounting degree online in Tennessee receive the same curriculum and instruction as on-site learners. This format offers the key benefit of flexibility. Online study accommodates students working full time, raising a family, and/or seeking a career change with a second-degree accounting program.

Hybrid accounting degrees include both remote and in-person instruction. Hybrid degrees usually allow students to complete most coursework online. These programs set mandatory on-campus meetings on a varying schedule. Classes may meet once a week, once a month, or just a few times per semester.

Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education in 2020

Source: NCES

Students can expect to spend several thousand dollars on an accounting degree, whether they attend a two- or four-year school. Financial aid can help cover these costs.

Always prioritize merit- and need-based grants or scholarships. These types of aid can come from the federal and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Scholarships and grants provide funding without any repayment requirements.

Low-interest federal student loans are another popular aid option. Students should remember that loans require eventual repayment.

Visit the links below to learn more about financial aid and top accounting scholarships.

College students nationwide usually pay the lowest tuition prices at public institutions in their home state.

Since public colleges in Tennessee receive government funding, they can afford to charge lower tuition rates than private institutions. These low tuition rates usually do not extend to out-of-state students, since nonresidents do not contribute to state taxes that fund schools.

However, many universities offer tuition breaks to out-of-state learners studying online. Nonresidents who study remotely often pay in-state tuition prices. Some schools may charge extra fees for remote course delivery.

The cost of living index helps compare the cost of living across different U.S. states. Prospective college students can use this tool to anticipate budget requirements for groceries, housing, transportation, and utilities.

A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. As of 2022, Tennessee receives an overall index score of 88.7, making it one of the nation’s most affordable states. Tennessee residents save the most in housing, where the state scores 79.4.

Nationwide, accounting graduates enjoy strong employment projections. Globalization, economic growth, and complex regulatory environments drive consistent demand for skilled accounting professionals across the United States.

Tennessee boasts the 16th strongest state economy in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Notably, the state ranks 13th for employment based on job growth, unemployment rates, and labor force participation.

Key industries that hire accounting professionals in Tennessee include agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, and music and entertainment.

As in most states, Tennessee’s accounting and finance industry concentrates in the largest cities. Each of the Big Four accounting firms — Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler — operate offices in Nashville. Additional offices serve clients in Memphis and Knoxville.

In the sections below, learn about top careers for Tennessee accounting degree graduates. Explore average salaries, employment and growth statistics, and education and certification requirements.

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in various markets. In Tennessee, these markets include agricultural commodities and financial products. Job duties include advising clients, analyzing finances, and tracking market performance. This fast-paced role requires a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree can help agents advance their careers.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2020-30): +10.5%

Staff accountants complete key accounting tasks for Tennessee businesses of all sizes. Job duties include maintaining records, producing financial reports, filing taxes, and preparing budgets. Staff accountants often work for accounting firms, banks, corporations, and nonprofits. This career requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2020-30): +16.4%

Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial health. These professionals prepare and review financial reports, supervise employees, and advise senior management. Top-employing sectors include finance and insurance, professional and technical services, and company management. Financial managers need at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of relevant experience.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2020-30): +22.8%

Tennessee accountants typically receive lower wages compared to nationwide averages. Still, they enjoy strong employment projections. Projections Central forecasts a 16.4% increase in accountant jobs in Tennessee from 2018-2028. In comparison, projected growth nationwide is just 6.4%.

The top-paying job titles for Tennessee accounting degree graduates include securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent; personal financial advisor; and financial manager. College students who plan to work in Tennessee may want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These degrees meet typical education requirements for these lucrative careers.

Each state sets its own requirements for accountants interested in CPA licensure. Requirements usually include a minimum number of college credits and years of accounting work experience. Some states also maintain residency requirements or require ethics exams.

Tennessee CPA candidates do not need to be state residents, but the following requirements do apply:

The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy manages CPA licensure throughout the state. Accounting degree candidates can explore the Board’s website for more information about exam qualifications and certification requirements.

After earning a CPA license in Tennessee, accountants must complete periodic continuing education courses to maintain certification.