The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, continues to earn national recognition for providing access to high-quality education, advancing its reputation for delivering an exceptional student experience. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking, released Sept. 22, the university jumped nine spots in the “Best Value” category to rank 14th among public universities, and climbed 12 spots to 77th nationally among public and private institutions. The best value ranking considers academic quality and cost after factoring in total expenses and financial aid.
In the overall “Best College” rankings, UT was named the number one public university in Tennessee and 50th among public institutions nationally. The recognition reflects its historic student momentum: enrollment reached 41,287 this fall; first-year retention rose to 93.1 percent; and the four-year graduation rate climbed to 71.4 percent—metrics that carry significant weight in the U.S. News methodology.
“It’s gratifying to see our state’s flagship and land-grant university be recognized for the value that we bring to all and especially to Tennesseans. Our outstanding faculty and dedicated staff work hard every day to make our world-class education accessible,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “We remain committed to continuing our rise here on Rocky Top so that we can bring our innovative educational programs and life-changing research to all the people we serve.”
Several UT programs again posted top national finishes. The Haslam College of Business’s supply chain management program ranked third nationally for the second straight year and gained notable ground in economics. The College of Nursing remains in the top 30 among public programs, while the Tickle College of Engineering ranked 37th among public universities for the second consecutive year.
UT continues to earn accolades for its programs for veterans, placing in the top 50 among public institutions in the Best Colleges for Veterans category. Earlier this year, UT earned a Gold ranking as a Military Friendly School, placing the university among the nation’s top institutions for assisting student veterans and military-connected students.
Business Programs Fuel Record Demand
The Haslam College of Business ranks first in Tennessee for undergraduate business programs. Its undergraduate business programs ranked 25th among public institutions for the second consecutive year. Its supply chain management program has now placed in the nation’s top five for the seventh consecutive year. The degree ranks first in the SEC and is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive supply chain programs globally.
Other business disciplines received strong recognition on the list as well. Accounting placed 18th among public institutions, while economics — offered jointly with the College of Arts and Sciences — climbed seven spots to rank 36th among public universities. As its reputation for excellence grows, the college continues to set new enrollment records. Randy Boyd Hall, the college’s newest business building, is scheduled for completion in fall 2027, and will allow the college to continue to meet the needs of its students and those of the greater business world.
“Our dedicated faculty and staff and highly engaged undergraduate programs office empower our students through rigorous and rewarding assignments and opportunities in the classroom and beyond, which prepare them for the challenges ahead,” said Stephen L. Mangum, dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair. “These rankings reflect the impactful knowledge and skills our graduates bring to the workforce.”
Engineering Remains Top Destination for Students
The Tickle College of Engineering remains the top-ranked public engineering destination in Tennessee and ranks 37th among public universities nationally — reinforcing UT’s strength in high-demand fields. Computer Science continues that momentum, holding the number one spot among public universities in Tennessee, and placing in the top 40 public institutions for the fifth consecutive year.
“The Tickle College of Engineering provides a world-class engineering education for our undergraduates,” said Matthew Mench, dean and Wayne T. Davis Dean’s Chair. “We are committed to a continually evolving modern engineering education that equips our graduates to succeed anywhere in the world. In fact, The Tickle College of Engineering is a place where not even the sky is the limit, considering our great track record in producing astronauts.”
Nursing Recognized for Excellence and Workforce Impact
UT Knoxville’s College of Nursing remains a top-ranked Tennessee public university and ranks 27th among public universities nationwide. The college is helping strengthen the health care workforce across the state through its partnership with UT Medical.
The college is also recognized among the nation’s top nursing programs for consistently achieving one of the highest first-time pass rates on the annual National Council Licensure Examination, the standardized test that determines whether nursing graduates are prepared to enter professional practice as registered nurses.
“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s leading undergraduate nursing programs,” said Vinciya Pandian, dean of the College of Nursing. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students to excellence in nursing education. Our graduates leave Rocky Top prepared to lead, serve and deliver exceptional care, strengthening the nursing workforce and improving the health of communities across Tennessee and beyond.”
Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report named UT to its list of Best Online Education Programs, and multiple UT programs earned recognition on the publication’s list of Best Graduate Schools.
About the Rankings
The information forming the basis for the 2027 U.S. News and World Report rankings was collected using a wide range of data sources. The rankings highlight colleges that excel in such areas as value, social mobility, teaching and meeting veterans’ needs.
U.S. News ranks nearly 1,500 U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree-granting institutions, grouped within 10 distinct overall rankings in which colleges and universities are compared with schools that share their academic mission. The full rankings list can be found on the U.S. News site.
—
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, [email protected])
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])