The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, achieved high rankings across multiple disciplines in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges report, released on Sept. 24. The annual rankings highlight and celebrate institutional excellence.
Overall, UT ranks 52nd among public universities and 109th among all colleges and universities nationally. As the demand for an education from UT continues to surge, more students than ever are seeking out the university’s highly regarded academic programs and benefiting from its initiatives aimed at increasing first-year retention and overall graduation rates.
“Record retention and graduation rates are a testament to the commitment of faculty and staff to our students’ success,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “This achievement is the result of our dedication to collaborative engagement with our students and innovative curricula and programming to ensure that students are not only staying on track but thriving throughout their academic journey.”
Nursing Programs Rise, Among Top 20 in the US
Undergraduate programs in the College of Nursing rank 19th among public universities, climbing 32 spots since last year. Among all institutions nationally, nursing programs have risen 41 spots and rank 26th.
“We are incredibly proud to see our undergraduate nursing program recognized as one of the top 20 among public universities,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean and Sara Rosenbaum Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair. “This significant rise in the rankings reflects the dedication and excellence of our faculty, staff and students as well as the innovative approaches we’ve taken to enhance nursing education. As we continue to address the growing demand for highly skilled nurses, this ranking shows our commitment to preparing future leaders in health care.”
Graduates of the nursing program regularly achieve one of the highest first-time pass rates on the annual National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)—98.5%. This pass rate is higher than both the national average of 87% and the Tennessee average of 90%.
Supply Chain Number One in SEC, Third Among Public Institutions
The supply chain management program in UT’s Haslam College of Business ranks third among public institutions and fourth nationally. This is the fifth year in a row that the program has ranked in the top five nationally and first in the Southeastern Conference. The college ranks 25th among public universities and 40th nationally.
High rankings were received in other areas of business: Accounting rose five spots to 18th among public institutions and rose four spots to 42nd nationally. Economics, shared with the College of Arts and Sciences, rose eight spots to 45th among public institutions and rose 10 spots to 102nd nationally.
“The quality of the faculty and the staff who support students, coupled with an innovative first-rate undergraduate programs office, gives students a full range of opportunities to sample and pursue,” said Stephen L. Mangum, dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair. “While the value of a business education is not conveyed by rankings alone, it is satisfying when the rankings affirm direct measures such as high-caliber employment outcomes.”
The college has one of the most comprehensive supply chain programs in the world. The summer, Gartner’s 2024 Top 25 Supply Chain University rankings placed UT at No. 2 in North America for undergraduate programs.
Tickle College of Engineering Programs Remain Among Best in the Country
UT’s Tickle College of Engineering ranks 37th among public institutions and 66th nationally. Computer science rose nine spots to 29th among public institutions and rose 18 spots to 53rd nationally.
“It is gratifying to see that the Tickle College of Engineering undergraduate programs remain ranked by our peers as among the very best in the country,” said Matthew Mench, dean and Wayne T. Davis Dean’s Chair. “We are constantly seeking ways to build upon the world-class education, facilities and faculty we have to provide all of our students the greatest possible opportunities to thrive here and during their future careers in engineering.”
Retention and Graduation Rates On the Rise
UT continues to rise in first-to-second year retention and six-year graduation rates, which are a large percentage of US News’ rankings. This year the university reached a new milestone of 92% first-to-second-year retention and maintained a 74% six-year graduation rate.
“Our vision is to not just provide a top education but to also make sure each scholar succeeds when they get here,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “The steady climb of our retention rates is a point of pride for all of us on Rocky Top. It’s a testament to the dedication of the entire Volunteer community and underscores our commitment to promoting student success — both academically and their overall well-being.”
Innovation and Value Recognized
The university’s innovation score remains high, ranking 33rd among publics and 63rd nationally. The category is evaluated by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans who nominate institutions that have made significant innovative improvements in areas such as curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.
The university improved its ranking as a best value institution, ranking 24th among public institutions and rising 22 spots to 95th nationally. The best value ranking considers academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid.
UT ranks 51st among public institutions and 70th nationally as a best college for veterans. Recently the Division of Student Success announced the establishment of the new Office of Veteran Benefits Administration in response to the significant growth over the past four years of veterans and military-connected students on campus.
The university is consistently named a top university by Forbes, the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal. Along with nationally competitive enrollment and retention rates, UT has experienced a record fundraising year and the best year of competitive results in its athletics history, showcasing why there has never been a better time to be a Volunteer.
About the Rankings
The information forming the basis for the 2025 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 shared their academic mission. The full rankings list can be found on the U.S. News site.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)