Higher Education

Bethel College
Located 45 minutes northeast of Jackson, Bethel College is a private, four-year co-educational liberal arts college founded in 1842 by the West Tennessee Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

.

  • Bethel offers its 2,155 students the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in over 27 undergraduate areas. Three graduate programs are also offered in Education, Teaching, and Physician Assistant.

  • All full-time students are provided with a laptop computer.

  • WIth an average 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy a small classroom setting with a high-quality and personal education.

  • Bethel is accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelors and Masters degrees.

Freed-Hardeman University
Founded in 1869, Freed-Hardeman University, a private, liberal arts university 20 miles south of Jackson in Henderson, is supported by the Churches of Christ. It is consistently listed in the top tier in U.S. News & World Report rankings for colleges and universities.

  • With more than 2,000 students, Freed-Hardeman offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees. Students can also earn a Master of Education, Master of Arts in New Testament, Master of Divinity, or Master of Science in Counseling degree.

  • The university's student-to-faculty ratio is 14-to-1 and it offers 50 academic majors.

  • The acceptance rate to medical, dental, physical therapy, and veterinary school is 80% or better.

Jackson State Community College
Jackson State Community College was established as the first community college in West Tennessee in 1967. With about 4,000 students, Jackson State has the largest enrollment of any college in Jackson.

  • The curriculum offers career-oriented programs through an Associate of Applied Science degree in business studies, computer information systems, early childhood education, industrial technology, medical laboratory technician, nursing, physical therapist assistant, radiography and respiratory care technology.

  • The college also has 28 emphasis areas for Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees that will prepare students to finish their degree at a four-year school.

  • Jackson State participates in the Regents Online Degree Program which allows students to complete all of the degree requirements online.

Lambuth University
Founded in 1843 by the Methodist Church, Lambuth University is a four-year university serving 750 students. Lambuth has been recognized by The Washington Post as one of the "Top 100 Colleges in the U.S." U.S. News & World Report ranked Lambuth in the top tier of schools in the south.

  • Lambuth University offers programs of study in the traditional areas of liberal arts, business, education and 60 other areas of study.

  • Student-to-faculty ratio is 15-to-1.

  • Besides traditional liberal arts courses, Lambuth has a variety of special programs to give students added practical experience. For example, interior design majors participate in an Interior Design Show House and work for one semester as apprentices with professional interior designers. The academic curriculum offers four bachelor's degree options and nearly 40 majors and concentrations.

  • Lambuth is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lane College
Founded in 1882 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Lane College is a four-year, liberal arts institution enrolling 1,000 students.

  • Lane offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 18 majors, such as biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, education, computer science, engineering (in cooperation with Tennessee State University), mathematics, music, health, history, religion, and sociology.

  • The "unique, private and engaging component" of the Lane College tradition is reinforced by a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

  • Lane College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Memphis Jackson Center
University of Memphis Center is located on the campus of Jackson State Community College. The Center offers programs and courses at the bachelors and masters level. The University of Memphis has more than 23,000 students including more than 700 taking courses in Jackson.

  • Undergraduate courses include elementary education, paralegal, liberal studies, organizational leadership, information studies, nursing, and business.

  • Graduate programs are offered in education, liberal studies (strategic leadership emphasis), and professional studies.

  • The Jackson Center offers full articulation with Jackson State Community College.

The University's main campus is in Memphis, about an hour and a half drive away.

Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson
TTC offers more than 16 specific fields of study in health care, business assistance and other light and heavy industry occupations.

  • The center is fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

  • TTC Jackson is one of 27 technology centers in Tennessee.

  • The center has developed special programs, such as blueprint reading, industrial electricity, hydraulics, precision measurements, math for trades, pneumatics, computer software/hardware, quality control, welding, automotive technology, industrial controls, GED preparation, communication skills, adult literacy and computer aided drafting (CAD).

Union University
Founded in 1823, Union University is rapidly gaining a national reputation as a leader for integrating rigorous academics with the Christian intellectual tradition. Union ranks in the "Top Tier" with U.S. News and World Report and is classified as a selective institution by the Carnegie Foundation. Independent research by America's 100 Best College Buys determined Union is among the nation's best in delivering academic quality at an affordable price.

  • About 3,300 students are enrolled at Union, where 46 areas of study focus on arts and sciences, pre-professional programs, business, education and human studies, and nursing.

  • Graduate study is available in both the School of Business Administration and the School of Education and Human Studies, where students may pursue a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Education or a Master of Education.

  • One special interest program allows registered nurses to return to school and receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Union also offers a traditional program for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

  • An accelerated evening program schedules classes for eight weeks rather than the traditional 15-week semester to better meet the needs of working adults.

  • Affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University achieves its mission by adhering to its four core values: excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed.

University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin, 55 miles north of Jackson, is a primary campus of the University of Tennessee system and the only public university in West Tennessee outside of Memphis. The university was founded in 1900.

  • UTM's 7,173 students can choose from more than 65 majors.

  • Baccalaureate degrees are offered in more than 80 specialized fields of study ranging from Agriculture and Engineering to Business Administration and Teacher Education.

  • Master's degrees are available in Accounting, Business Administration, Counseling and Teacher Education, Agricultural Operations Management, and Human Environmental Sciences. Master's degree level courses in Business Administration and Teacher Education are available in Jackson.

  • The University is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and competes in 17 NCAA Division I sports in both men's and women's athletics. UT Martin also has a collegiate rodeo team.

  • UT Martin is listed as a top tier university among Southern Master's Level Institutions by U.S. News & World Report.

West Tennessee Business College
West Tennessee Business College was founded in 1923 and six years later merged with the Jackson School of Business, which was founded in 1888.

  • WTBC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees for Medical Administrative Assistant and Administrative Assistant, diplomas in Medical Assisting, Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, and General Office Assistant, and clock hours for Cosmetology, Manicure, and Esthetician.

  • WTBC is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization is based on evaluation concerning quality of education, ethical and business practices, health and safety and fiscal responsibility.

  • WTBC is licensed by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology in Nashville, Tennessee.