01/27/2025
Study: Tennessee Tech is #1 best value, offers highest starting salaries across all public universities in the state
According to a new study from SmartAsset, a leading financial advisory website, Tennessee Tech University is the state's number one “best value” public university.
SmartAsset’s study compared schools based on financial factors and data sets such as tuition, living expenses, salaries, student retention rates, and scholarships awarded.
The study also found that Tech offers its graduates the highest median starting salaries of any public university in the state, outpacing the state average by more than $10,000. When private universities are also considered, Tech ranks in the top two alongside Vanderbilt University.
“Today’s students have many choices for how to approach their post-secondary education. That’s why our faculty and staff at Tennessee Tech work tirelessly to ensure that we offer a world-class educational experience at an affordable cost that prepares students for career success,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “We want students to know that, if they give us four years, we will give them the tools they need for a bold future that will pay dividends over the rest of their lives. This study is proof that we are doing exactly that.”
Tech’s 2+2 program in Lawrenceburg offers students an excellent pathway to achieve a bachelor’s degree close to home. This program allows students to complete the first two years of coursework at Columbia State Community College and finish their degree with Tennessee Tech classes at the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center. It’s designed to provide affordability, convenience, and the same high-quality education Tech is known for.
SmartAsset’s study also found that Tech students enjoy living costs below the state average and in the bottom half of all universities ranked in the study. The rankings underscore Cookeville’s status as an affordable college town, as well as the university’s commitment to defraying costs for students through efforts like its Open Educational Resources program, which saved Golden Eagles $1.4 million in textbook expenses in less than three years.
The study follows similar previous reporting from Payscale, which found that Tech delivers the highest return on investment and the highest early career pay of any public university in the state.
Tech is continuing to accept applications for fall 2025 admission and is offering guaranteed scholarships of up to $8,000 per year for students who apply by June 1 and meet minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements. Learn more and apply for admission today at www.tntech.edu/apply.
