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.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Best Colleges in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: College and University Rankings
- WATE: Tennessee Named to Top 50 Value Colleges List
- Google Search: Tennessee colleges rankings
- Herald-Citizen: Tennessee Tech Named Top Public University
- Google Scholar: Best Colleges Tennessee
- 3B Media News: TN Tech Ties for Top Spot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Education
- MSN: Best Four-Year Colleges in Tennessee
- Google News: Best Colleges Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
