The 11 Largest College Campuses in Tennessee

Source：AZ Animals Time：November 5, 2023

Tennessee is home to several expansive college campuses. From the University of Memphis in the west to the University of Tennessee – Knoxville in the east, the state is home to 186 institutions of higher learning. Though some campuses are comprised of no more than a building or two, others, like The University of the South in Sewanee, rank among the largest campuses in the United States. These campuses are bustling communities in which students from all walks of life converge to shape their futures. So, grab your backpack and don your thinking cap as we explore Tennessee’s largest college campuses.

Maryville College

The 11 Largest College Campuses in Tennessee — Fayerweather Science Hall, built in 1898 is one of the historic buildings on the Maryville College campus.
©Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0 - License

Maryville College, a liberal arts college located in Maryville, Tennessee, covers approximately 320 acres(129 hectares) in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, the campus has walking trails and green spaces that provide a serene atmosphere for students. Founded in 1819, Maryville College was. A historic building on campus, Anderson Hall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus setting in Maryville, a charming town near Knoxville, provides an intimate environment for learning while providing students with ready access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of East Tennessee.

University of Tennessee – Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a public research university located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The campus stretches approximately 321 acres(130 hectares) along the Tennessee River. Known for its strong academic programs, UTC offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities such as the McKenzie Arena. With a commitment to community engagement and internships, UTC students have access to valuable hands-on experiences, bolstering their education. The university’s location in Chattanooga offers students an urban environment with a thriving downtown area, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the surrounding region.

Vanderbilt University

Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University boasts a beautiful urban campus. The campus covers approximately 330 acres (134 hectares). The campus seamlessly blends historic and modern architecture. Notable structures include Kirkland Hall and the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Recognized for its prestigious academic programs, Vanderbilt places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The campus’ urban setting in Nashville provides students with access to a thriving music scene, diverse culinary experiences, and numerous internship and employment opportunities.

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Its campus offers a mix of modern facilities in stunning natural surroundings. Covering approximately 340 acres(138 hectares), notable campus landmarks include the Sherrod Library and the Basler Center for Physical Activity. ETSU is renowned for its strong focus on healthcare education, and it is home to the Quillen College of Medicine. The campus provides a dynamic and diverse academic environment, with various colleges and programs to meet students’ needs. Additionally, the university’s location in the Appalachian region offers students access to outdoor recreational opportunities. ETSU’s campus is an ideal setting for a well-rounded educational experience in both urban and natural settings.

Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Its campus is modern and expansive, covering approximately 500 acres (202 hectares). The campus features a mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, with prominent buildings like the James E. Walker Library and the Science Building. MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs. It has a reputation for its recording industry and media-related studies.

Tennessee State University

One of the historically black colleges and universities in the United States, Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The TSU campus is both sprawling and urban, covering 500 acres(202 hectares) on its main campus in North Nashville. The original campus features over 65 buildings, both historic and modern. The downtown Avon Williams Campus is convenient for students who work in the area. The urban setting provides students with a balance of academic opportunities and cultural experiences

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus, often referred to as UT Knoxville or UTK, is a public research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Covering 920 acres(372 hectares), the campus has 257 buildings that mix historic and modern architecture. UTK has a diverse student body studying a wide range of academic programs. One of the more intriguing programs at the university is Forensic Anthropology. The Forensic Anthropology Center, commonly referred to as the Body Farm, is a respected research facility for forensic anthropology. It is one of the most well-known centers of its kind in the world. The center was established in 1981.

Southern Adventist University

Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, Tennessee approximately 20 miles east of Chattanooga. The campus is spread across approximately 1,000 acres(405 hectares) of lush, wooded land at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campus features a blend of modern and traditional architecture, including the iconic Wright Hall. The university’s dedication to its Seventh-day Adventist founding principles is reflected in the campus’s peaceful and serene atmosphere, which includes places for reflection and worship. Students at Southern Adventist University benefit from access to state-of-the-art academic facilities, and the Iles Physical Education Center which boasts a full-sized basketball court. Southern Adventist University has extensive green spaces which focus on environmental sustainability. The natural surroundings, complete with hiking trails and outdoor recreational opportunities, make this campus an ideal setting for a well-rounded, holistic education.

Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a well-regarded educational institution in Harrogate, Tennessee. Its sprawling campus covers 1,000acres (405 hectares) of rolling Appalachian terrain, offering a naturally beautiful setting in which to broaden one’s mind. The campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, including the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. The pristine campus also includes multiple athletic facilities, like Tex Turner Arena, as well as the Duncan School of Law. The rambling campus provides students with opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration to counter their more cerebral pursuits.

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis in, you guessed it, Memphis, Tennessee, boasts a dynamic urban campus known for its modern facilities and diverse student population. Spread across approximately 1,160 acres(470 hectares), the campus offers a mix of contemporary and historic buildings, including the iconic Rose Theater and the FedEx Institute of Technology. The campus is conveniently located near the heart of the city, offering students access to numerous cultural attractions, businesses, and internship opportunities.

Sewanee: The University of the South

The University of the South, orSewanee, is known for its breathtaking and expansive campus atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. The Sewanee campus is the 4th largest college campus in the United States, covering over 13,000 acres(5261 hectares) of mostly wooded land. The campus offers stunning views and endless hiking trails. The majority of campus buildings feature Gothic-style architecture. They are made of locally quarried sandstone. The Sewanee Perimeter Trail, a 20-mile loop challenges students as they explore the breathtaking landscape, by bike or foot.