The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and its programs continue to be counted among the nation’s top public universities, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 undergraduate rankings.
UT Knoxville ranked 52nd among all public universities and 106th among all national universities, up two spots from last year in the list that includes 262 American universities offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The university’s improving graduation rates also made the publication’s “Top 100 List.”
The College of Business Administration’s undergraduate supply chain management/logistics program was fifth among public institutions and seventh nationally. UT’s undergraduate business program is ranked 28th among public universities tied with the University of Kansas and one spot above Pepperdine University.
The College of Engineering’s undergraduate program ranked 32nd among public universities and 64th in the national list.
More than 20 percent of the U.S. News overall ranking is based on state funding of higher education, namely per-student spending and faculty compensation.
“We are proud of our top programs and the progress we’ve made in many areas,” said Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek. “Our main goal is to use our resources wisely and make investments that ensure our students receive the very best education and support they need to earn their degree and are well prepared to compete in a global economy.”
UT Knoxville was listed in the “Top 100 List” of Highest Graduation Rates, with 60 percent of undergraduate students earning degrees in six years or less, according to the 2010 report.
“Graduation and retention rates are a key indicator of quality and how we measure our success,” said Cheek. “While we’ve made significant strides, we’re focused on a long-term, comprehensive effort that will lead to more significant results in this area.”
Retention rates for UT Knoxville are 82.5 percent, up from 81 percent last year. The magazine reports three-year averages of freshmen who returned to campus the following fall semester.
The academic credentials of UT Knoxville’s entering freshman classes have consistently improved each year. The 2009 freshman class had a 26.5 average ACT score and a core grade-point average of 3.79. Forty percent of the incoming freshmen had GPAs of 4.0 or higher.
UT initiated in 2006 an extensive effort to enhance student success. The Student Success Center, which offers advising, tutoring and other services, opened in 2005. UT LEAD, a program offering academic counseling, seminars and workshops for students who have received the Pledge and Promise Scholarships, also has helped increase retention and graduation rates.
To view the complete rankings, visit http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.
C O N T A C T :
Kristi Hintz (865-974-3993, khintz@utk.edu)