Higher Education

2024 Sumner County Higher Education Profile

We are pleased to share the updated 2024 Higher Education County Profile for Sumner County. Click either page below to view the full PDF report in a new tab.

2025 Sumner County Higher Education Quick Stats

Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) is a public, comprehensive community college offering associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs in northern Middle Tennessee. With a main campus in Gallatin and three satellite locations, VSCC serves over 8,800 students (Fall 2023).

Known for its Fast Forward program, VSCC provides targeted career and technical courses to high school graduates, including dual enrollment options for some 1,600 high school students annually. Through partnerships with Belmont University, Rosendin, and DPR Construction, the college facilitates customized workforce training, ensuring local employers have access to highly skilled graduates.

With over 90 programs of study, Volunteer State’s mission is to provide quality and innovative educational opportunities that empower students for successful careers, meaningful civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Portland

TCAT–Portland is a satellite campus of TCAT–Nashville, playing a pivotal role in workforce development throughout Sumner County. With 444 students enrolled (Fall 2022) and steadily growing, TCAT–Portland offers programs in Welding, Nursing, Cosmetology, Construction, and more.

A unique highlight is the Middle College Technical High School on-site, enabling students to graduate with both a high school diploma and industry certifications, often entering the workforce immediately. Programs maintain an over 80% placement rate, reflecting robust partnerships with local business and industry.

TCAT–Hartsville, located just east of Sumner County, also serves many area residents, further expanding technical training options through a network of 27 campuses statewide.

Union University – Hendersonville

Union University’s Hendersonville campus provides associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs designed with adult learners in mind. With convenient accelerated formats and online or on-campus options, Union focuses on career-related concentrations such as Nursing, Education, Organizational Leadership, Professional Studies, and Christian Studies.

Nationally recognized for integrating academics with Christian faith, Union offers a Christ-centered educational culture in Sumner County. Partnership agreements, including articulation with Volunteer State, expand access to teacher licensure programs and advanced nursing degrees, addressing critical workforce shortages in the region.

Welch College

Welch College offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across 40+ programs of study. As Sumner County’s only residential college, Welch fosters a vibrant campus environment while also providing online programs for adult learners.

Enrollment stands at 358 undergraduates (Fall 2023), with a near-even gender distribution. Welch is ranked #1 in Social Mobility and #10 overall among “Best Regional Colleges–South” in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. The college maintains strong dual enrollment ties with public and private schools, along with workforce initiatives like Project SEARCH to support students with disabilities.

Since moving from Nashville to Gallatin in 2017, Welch College has remained grounded in its Christian mission, delivering a values-oriented education that’s both accessible and relevant to Sumner County’s evolving economic landscape.

Four-Year Universities Impacting Sumner County

Beyond the institutions with physical campuses in Sumner County, students benefit from proximity to 21 accredited four-year post-graduate institutions in the greater Nashville area. Leading universities that draw local students or collaborate with Sumner industries include:

• Austin Peay State University
• Belmont University
• Cumberland University
• Fisk University
• Lipscomb University
• Meharry Medical College
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Tennessee State University
• Trevecca Nazarene University
• Tennessee Technological University
• University of the South, Sewanee
• Vanderbilt University

Other universities that significantly contribute to Sumner County's labor market include:

• University of Tennessee
• University of Memphis
• Western Kentucky University

Workforce Connections & Labor Market Alignment

Higher education in Sumner County is deeply integrated with local economic needs. Institutions collaborate with industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and logistics to:

• Offer dual enrollment & fast-track programs that bridge high school to college-level workforce training
• Provide industry certifications through TCAT and community college courses
• Align academic curricula with real-time labor market data
• Develop apprenticeships and internships that promote hands-on experience

By emphasizing education-to-employment pipelines, Sumner County ensures that graduates possess the skills regional employers demand. This synergy supports growth, attracts new business, and bolsters the local economy.

Ready to Learn More or Partner?

Whether you’re a prospective student, a local employer, or a community stakeholder, Sumner County’s higher education institutions offer pathways to opportunity and growth.

• Students – Explore scholarships, dual enrollment, and career-focused programs
• Employers – Connect with colleges for customized training solutions and internship programs
• Community Leaders – Partner with institutions to develop educational initiatives that serve local needs

For inquiries, resources, or to begin a partnership, please visit our Contact Page or reach out to the institutions directly via their websites:

• Volunteer State Community College
• TCAT – Portland
• Union University Hendersonville
• Welch College