Tennessee Tech named to ‘Best Colleges in the U.S.’ list
Students gather outside the Roaden University Center on Tennessee Tech’s campus.
Tennessee Tech University has been named to the 2025-2026 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” list by Colleges of Distinction, one of only four public universities in the state to earn the elite designation.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria including engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
Altogether, Tech earned a spot on 10 Colleges of Distinction lists for this year, including the best-of lists for Tennessee, public universities, affordability, career development, military support, and for specific programs of study, including business, education, engineering and nursing.
“It is always gratifying to see independent confirmation of what we know to be true: Tennessee Tech offers students a world-class education and a caring, supportive campus community at an affordable cost – all of which is equipping students for success in their careers and in life,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “We are proud to be recognized across 10 separate lists in this year’s Colleges of Distinction ratings and look forward to carrying this commitment to excellence into the upcoming academic year.”
“Tennessee Tech has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”
The recognition marks the latest in a series of high-profile honors for Tech. In recent months, Money.com named Tech the top public university in Tennessee, while SmartAsset ranked Tech as the number-one “best value” public university in the state and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission highlighted Tech for holding the highest freshmen retention rate, highest four-year graduation rate and highest incoming student ACT scores among all Locally Governed Institutions (LGIs) in the state in its 2025 Fact Book.
Tech offers more than 225 programs of study, and its graduates leave with the least debt of all public universities in the state. In fact, based on total cost and alumni earnings, Tech provides students with the highest return on investment for any public university in Tennessee, according to PayScale.
Learn more about Tech’s recognition from Colleges of Distinction at https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/tennessee-technological-university/.