The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has again been recognized by Forbes as one of the nation’s best employers for new graduates in its 2025 rankings, published May 20. This marks the fifth consecutive year the university has earned this distinction.
“UT prides itself on attracting and nurturing top talent. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional support and mentorship our current employees provide but also demonstrates our dedication to fostering a thriving environment where new professionals can build a long-lasting and fulfilling career,” said Tarah Keeler, associate vice chancellor and chief human resources officer. “With space to learn, great professional development opportunities and the chance to be part of a top-performing university, employees play a key and supportive role in the university’s strong operations.”
Employers were assessed on several criteria, including wages, benefits, advancement opportunities, flexibility and overall environment. Participants were also asked whether they would recommend any of their previous employers or those they knew through their respective industries or through family and friends working there. More than 2,700 companies were evaluated and the top 500 organizations were named to the list.
UT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. Benefits include competitive health plans, employer-supported retirement plans with matching contributions, generous paid leave and holidays, and tuition discounts for employees and their families. Those offerings, along with an emphasis on work-life balance, reflect the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment.
Forbes has also recognized UT as a dream employer and one of America’s top colleges as the top public university in Tennessee.
About the Rankings
The rankings, compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, are based on survey responses from more than 100,000 working professionals with less than 10 years of work experience, employed at U.S.-based companies with at least 1,000 employees.
The full list of best employers for news graduates is available on the Forbes website. For information on employment opportunities at UT, visit the Human Resources page.
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Media Contact:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)