8 Best Universities In Nashville For International Students 2025

Nashville is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 8 universities in Nashville, Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University are the top-performing schools in Nashville.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Nashville, Tennessee. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Nashville, Tennessee.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Nashville?

Applying to the universities in Nashville involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Nashville to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Nashville?

Tuition fees at Nashville’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 12,000 USD to 54,900 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 9,720 USD to 66,700 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Nashville!

As we cover the best universities in Nashville for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Nashville for International Students

Vanderbilt University is established on the values of collaboration and collegiality, allowing it to rise above and beyond most universities. This prestigious institution in Nashville aims to push humanity and the world to its full potential through discoveries and service. It accomplishes this through its top-ranked programs in law, business, education, arts, medicine, and many more.

Tennessee State University was primarily founded in 1910 to serve African-American students. It is located in Tennessee’s capital and is the only one of its kind in the state. TSU is also a part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which benefits historically black institutions. The Times Higher Education rankings placed TSU at 801st nationwide last 2019. Meanwhile, US News ranks it at 299th.

Belmont University maintains a Christ-centered community where students from all over the world can gain wisdom and knowledge through practical education. The university ensures that students get to heighten their passion by giving them adequate resources and materials for learning. In recent years, Belmont University began hosting more international students and participating in foreign academic competitions.

Established in 1866, Fisk University initially started as a black-serving institution. Today, it warmly welcomes students from all ethnicities across the globe. The university prepares its students to succeed in their chosen careers by providing top-quality education with courses lectured by highly qualified professionals. Additionally, transforming students’ lives into global citizens, leaders, and experts is among the university’s top priorities.

Meharry Medical College is a private medical school in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, and it became the first medical school for African-American physicians in the state. It is regarded as one of the country’s largest private historically black medical schools. Graduate programs in science, medicine, and public health are available at the college.

Lipscomb University is a private educational institution located in Nashville, a city known for its flourishing entertainment industry, southern hospitality, and being a business, technological, and educational hub in the region. It offers over 200 academic programs in liberal arts. The university is also affiliated with the Churches of Christ, which is why it strives to integrate Christian values and principles in all of its programs and activities.

Trevecca Nazarene University was founded in 1901 that now offers over 100 bachelor’s and master’s programs. Not only can students have an on-campus learning experience, but they can also acquire them online. The school has multiple athletic teams that actively take part in intercollegiate and national-level sports. Their community grounds itself in faith and service with establishments such as Christian chapels, ministries, as well as various social activities like camping, retreats, and trips to support their values and tradition.

One of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, American Baptist College has served as a center for educational, spiritual, and social development to the local community of Nashville. It offers bachelor’s and associate degrees, integrating Christian teachings and values in different areas of liberal arts. Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2024, American Baptist College takes pride in its students, faculty, and notable alumni as it continues to advocate for social justice, responsibility, diversity, and inclusion.