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Workforce & Education

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FREE

Tuition to technical and community college for all Tennesseans
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376K+

Current students enrolled in college or graduate school
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2.1M+

People with an associate degree or higher
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80+

Post-secondary institutions
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92.3%

High school graduation rate for 2024-2025 school year
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3.5M+

Tennesseans employed as of December 2025
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Nearly 4,000

Yearly graduates in engineering and related fields
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#1

State in the nation for labor force growth (2024 – 2025)
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#1

State in the Southeast and #3 in the nation for labor force participation (2024 – 2025)

A Workhorse Of A Workforce

To make the loudest impact, you need the best people. Our higher education ecosystem, strong partnerships and full-service workforce development support work in concert to deliver skilled employees ready to perform. From global giants to homegrown startups, businesses turn it up in Tennessee.

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Workforce & Education at-a-glance

Tennessee isn’t just meeting the mark when it comes to workforce and education—we’re setting the tone, with achievements that lead to better outcomes and a better workforce.

  • Tennessee ranks #1 in the nation for labor force growth, with a 2.6% year-over-year increase from 2024 to 2025.
  • Tennessee ranks #1 in the Southeast and #3 in the nation for labor force participation.
  • Tennessee is among the first states to require a computer science course for high school graduation, starting with the class of 2026.
  • Of participants in Tennessee Reconnect, 78% were already employed when they enrolled, and within three years their wages increased by 21%—outpacing other adult learners.
  • Work-based learning student enrollment increased six years in a row, with 22,641 students earning 41,625 credits statewide.
  • Tennessee covers tuition and mandatory fees for residents pursuing two-year degrees and technical credentials.

Higher education operates at a higher volume in Tennessee. More than 376,700 Tennesseans were enrolled in college in 2024—and it’s no small wonder, since the state is home to:

  • 11 public universities and special purpose institutes
  • 34 independent colleges and universities
  • 13 community colleges
  • 23 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (occupational and technical training)


With an array of educational opportunities and state-level programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee has seen steady increases in the number of residents with high school diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and higher. That means more work-ready professionals who are prepared to amplify your business.

Students in Tennessee earned over 91,046 degrees and certificates in 2024 in dozens of programs, including the top 20 below.

Top 20 Programs (based on completions)2024 Completions
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities9,026
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing5,778
Business Administration, Management and Operations5,845
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention and Treatment Professions3,269
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services3,198
Sports, Kinesiology and Physical Education/Fitness2,409
Psychology, General1,905
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants1,660
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services1,619
Biology, General1,508
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods1,473
Criminal Justice and Corrections1,465
Precision Metal Work1,352
Computer Science1,295
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians1,238
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies1,236
Computer and Information Sciences, General1,192
Marketing1,186
Social Work1,142
Accounting and Related Services1,134
All Other Programs42,116
Tennessee is home to innovative education and workforce partnerships—and even offers incentives to help make these partnerships a success.
  • Nissan partnered with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Murfreesboro to open a training center in Smyrna for careers in advanced manufacturing. These training programs are part of Tennessee’s strategy to create a pipeline of high-skilled workers in the state.
  • Volkswagen joined forces with Chattanooga State Community College to develop two three-year mechatronics degree programs accredited by the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
  • Bridgestone partnered with Motlow State Community College to develop a mechatronics program based on the Siemens Mechatronics Systems approach to advanced manufacturing. It’s the only program in the U.S. to offer a three-step pathway for advanced manufacturing education.
  • Educational institutions in Tennessee also partner together to better train Tennessee’s workforce. Credit transfer programs now exist between TCAT-Morristown and Northeast State Community College, as well as TCAT-Knoxville and Pellissippi State Community College.
  • Electrolux and the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) teamed up to provide training through WIN’s Industrial Readiness Training program. Classes are based upon Electrolux’s specifications and training requirements and are offered at the Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Tennessee is proud to offer an array of programs, incentives, resources and connections focused on building our state’s workforce and boosting business success across the state. TNWorks is Tennessee’s central hub connecting employers to a full suite of customized, data-driven workforce development services, delivered at no cost. For companies searching for a new location or Tennessee employers who need to expand or upskill their workforce, TNWorks ensures businesses have the strategic support and resources to prosper.
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From startups to seasoned brands, businesses find their rhythm in Tennessee.

Building a Strong Workforce: Motlow State Community College and Bridgestone

Motlow State Community College’s nationally recognized Automation and Robotics Training Center has led to many industry partnerships, including Bridgestone, where they have been able to relocate all of their employee training programs back to Tennessee. Discover how Motlow and Bridgestone are working together to strengthen Tennessee’s workforce.

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