For the first time, the Princeton Review has recognized the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on its annual list of the nation’s Top 50 Best Value Colleges (Public Schools). UT is the only Tennessee school to make the 2025 list.
“Being named one of Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges highlights UT’s deep commitment to academic excellence, affordability and strong career outcomes,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “This recognition reflects the great work that is going on at our campus to focus on continuously enhancing the value of being a Volunteer for life.”
The designation was made as part of Princeton Review’s list of Best Value Colleges for 2025, which is based on data from surveys of administrators at more than 650 colleges in 2024 and 2025. The Princeton Review tallied the schools’ ROI (return on investment) ratings based on more than 40 data points covering three broad topics: academics, affordability and career preparation. UT received an ROI rating of 89 out of 99.
In addition to the survey of administrators, The Princeton Review factored in data from student surveys and PayScale’s alumni surveys about starting and mid-career salaries and job satisfaction. In its profile, the university was recognized for its academics, student body and campus life. Students praised UT for having “countless centers to help students succeed and feel at home,” such as the Academic Success Center.
“The schools on our Best Value Colleges lists this year are truly exceptional,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of the Princeton Review. “They offer outstanding academics and excellent career services. They also demonstrate extraordinary commitments to affordability via generous financial aid and/or comparatively low sticker prices. We commend them for all that they do to help students afford to attend them and we recommend them highly to college applicants.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)