Tennessee Schools Shine in Latest College Rankings

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News Summary

A total of 20 colleges in Tennessee received accolades in the latest ‘Best Colleges’ rankings by Money, showcasing the state’s dedication to quality higher education. The rankings evaluated over 2,400 institutions using a star rating system based on factors such as affordability, educational quality, and post-graduation outcomes. Tennessee Technological University emerged at the top among public colleges, noted for its competitive pricing and impressive retention rates. These rankings provide valuable insights for prospective students seeking affordable yet quality education options.

Nashville, TN – In the latest “Best Colleges” rankings released by Money on June 25, 2025, a total of 20 colleges in Tennessee made the prestigious list, showcasing the state’s commitment to educational quality and affordability. The report evaluated over 2,400 four-year public and private nonprofit institutions, employing a star rating system instead of traditional rankings.

The analysis focused on key factors such as enrollment statistics, data reliability, financial health, and graduation rates, ultimately leading to the qualification of 732 schools across three categories: quality of education, affordability, and outcomes, which included post-graduation employment and earnings. Each institution could be rated from two to five stars based on its performance in these areas.

Among the Tennessee colleges that received commendations in this year’s rankings are:

Belmont University (private, Nashville): 3 stars
Bryan College (private, Dayton): 4 stars
Cumberland University (private, Lebanon): 4 stars
East Tennessee State University (public, Johnson City): 3.5 stars
Fisk University (private, Nashville): 2.5 stars
King University (private, Bristol): 4.5 stars
Lincoln Memorial University (private, Harrogate): 3.5 stars
Lipscomb University (private, Nashville): 4 stars
Milligan University (private, Milligan): 3.5 stars
Rhodes College (private, Memphis): 4 stars
Tennessee Technological University (public, Cookeville): 4 stars
Tennessee Wesleyan University (private, Athens): 3.5 stars
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (public, Knoxville): 4 stars
The University of the South (private, Sewanee): 3.5 stars
Trevecca Nazarene University (private, Nashville): 3.5 stars
Union University (private, Jackson): 3.5 stars
University of Memphis (public, Memphis): 3.5 stars
Vanderbilt University (private, Nashville): 4.5 stars

Tennessee Technological University earned a tie for the top spot among public universities, receiving a four-star rating. Notably, Tennessee Tech boasts the lowest estimated full price for attendance among all ranked institutions in the state. This recognition is part of an ongoing series of honors for Tennessee Tech, which recently reported the highest freshmen retention rate and graduation rate among Locally Governed Institutions in Tennessee.

The Money rankings are noted for emphasizing a range of colleges tailored to varying budgets rather than identifying a single “best” college. This approach allows prospective students and their families to evaluate institutions based not only on prestige but also on financial feasibility and the likelihood of graduates achieving career success.

The recognition of Tennessee colleges in Money’s rankings highlights the state’s diverse educational landscape, which offers both public and private options that cater to a variety of student needs. As the demand for accessible and high-quality education continues to grow, these rankings serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking post-secondary education.

For further details and to view the complete national list of rankings, individuals can visit Money’s website.