Colleges & Trade Schools in Tennessee
By getting career training at technical and trade schools in Tennessee, many adults can build a more stable future for themselves and their families. All kinds of postsecondary programs are available to help Tennesseans qualify for opportunities in reliable, emerging, or expanding career sectors like health care, business, and high-tech manufacturing.
Tennessee college and trade school students can take advantage of affordable housing, a wide selection of industry-relevant programs, numerous financial aid options, and other student-friendly resources.
Tennessee Schools
Sponsored Listings
Nashville Auto-Diesel College
- Nashville
- Automotive Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Diesel Technology
- Heavy Equipment
- Welding Technology
Fortis
- Cookeville
- Nashville
- HVACR
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Surgical Technology
Key Benefits for Tennessee College Students
- Affordable living: The overall cost of living in Tennessee is 9.6 percent lower than the national index—making it the tenth most affordable state in the country.
- Opportunities for more personalized instruction: At private for-profit colleges in Tennessee, the ratio of students to instructors is significantly lower than the nationwide average.
- Good career prospects for recent graduates: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment trends in Nashville and Memphis suggest robust job markets, providing favorable opportunities for recent graduates seeking employment in these areas.
Tennessee Accreditation
To receive federal student aid, you must attend a postsecondary school accredited by a non-governmental agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited schools have undergone voluntary evaluation by independent organizations and have been deemed to meet or exceed specific quality standards.
Many postsecondary institutions in Tennessee are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Others, including several private trade schools and vocational colleges, have received national accreditation through one or more organizations such as:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Postsecondary schools in Tennessee must be authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's Division of Postsecondary State Authorization.
Financial Aid for Tennessee Students
The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation administers a large variety of state-funded financial aid programs for eligible residents, including several grants and scholarships. Here are three noteworthy examples of financial assistance that doesn't need to be repaid:
- The Tennessee Student Assistance Award provides between $2,000 and $4,000 per year, depending on the type of school you attend. For private career schools, the award amount is $2,000. Eligibility is based on your financial need and is non-repayable financial assistance.
- The TCAT Reconnect Grant helps cover what remains of students' tuition and fees after subtracting all other non-repayable financial assistance. This program is for financially independent students enrolled full-time at a TN College of Applied Technology.
- The Tennessee Promise Scholarship also helps cover remaining tuition and fees after accounting for other gift aid. However, this program covers a wider variety of eligible institutions, including many two- and four-year schools (both public and private).
The following requirements apply to award recipients:
- Be a full-time student
- Participate in a mentoring program
- Complete at least eight hours of community service before the start of each academic term
In all cases, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for. Besides state aid, you may be eligible for various kinds of federal assistance (such as grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs).
Resources for Tennessee Students
Childcare payment assistance: Many low-income parents working or attending college or trade school qualify for subsidized childcare through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Student Disability Services (SDS): Offices at Tennessee colleges and universities help ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education by facilitating accommodations like extended test time, note-taking assistance, and adaptive technology. SDS also advocates for students, working with faculty to address accessibility needs while offering resources such as assistive technologies and self-advocacy guidance. These services create a more inclusive learning environment, helping students navigate their academic journey with the necessary support.
Networking: When you're ready to launch your career, it's worth checking out professional networking organizations. You can improve your social skills, learn from local leaders, and meet people who may connect you with potential opportunities. YP Nashville and Young Professionals of Knoxville are two examples of organizations that help empower college graduates to become their best selves.
Trade School Training Can Provide a Better Path Forward
College-level education is often critical if you want to qualify for good jobs. By offering streamlined career programs and flexible class schedules, many trade schools in Tennessee make learning in-demand skills a lot more convenient.