Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76.1%, annual tuition of $11,376, average net price of $14,246, and a national rank of #503 (Grade B+), with a 65.0% graduation rate, about 8,698 undergraduates, and median earnings of $57,413 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Tennessee Technological University is a public university in Cookeville, TN. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 78.2% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 88.1%, roughly 38.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Tennessee Technological University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Tennessee Technological University graduates 65.0% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 78.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Tennessee Technological University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,376 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,280 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,302 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,663 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 30.9% of Tennessee Technological University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,815 to $18,936 depending on family income. Use Tennessee Technological University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,245/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,936/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $57,413
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,501
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $15,650
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.7%
- Employment Rate 90.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Tennessee Technological University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Tennessee Technological University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Tennessee Technological University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Tennessee Technological University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Tennessee Technological University graduates earn $57,413 median four years after graduation, -5% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 528-650
- SAT Math 520-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,698
- Full-Time Students 93.2%
- Part-Time Students 6.8%
- Retention Rate 78.2%
- Graduation Rate 65.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Tennessee Technological University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Tennessee Technological University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.1%, Tennessee Technological University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.1% acceptance rate, Tennessee Technological University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1048 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Tennessee Technological University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 10.1%
- Mechanical Engineering 7.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.8%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.9%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 5.7%
- Computer Science 5.2%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.8%
- Biology, General 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $105,082
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $104,231
- 3. Computer Science $92,817
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $88,130
- 5. Chemical Engineering $86,320
- 6. Engineering Technology, General $78,409
- 7. Civil Engineering $75,845
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $63,546
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,956
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $60,912
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $100,700
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $88,328
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $69,095
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $63,938
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $50,780
- 6. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $50,438
- 7. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $48,554
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $105,082—73% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($60,912). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $100,700 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Tennessee Technological University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 201 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 151 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 136 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 117 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 104 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Science
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Sociology
- Marketing
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Engineering Technology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Agriculture, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Music
- History
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physics
- Engineering, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Economics
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Master's Degrees (14 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Engineering, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (6 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Data Analytics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,698
- Full-Time Students 93.2%
- Part-Time Students 6.8%
- Male Students 55.3%
- Female Students 44.7%
- Caucasian 79.6%
- Asian 2.5%
- Hispanic 6.0%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Tennessee Technological University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Tennessee Technological University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Tennessee Technological University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Tennessee Technological University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.6% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Tennessee Technological University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Tennessee Technological University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Tennessee Technological University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #503 nationally with a 88.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $14,246 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $57,413 median earnings. The 65.0% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 78.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Tennessee Technological University's Strengths
Ranked #503 with a B+ grade, Tennessee Technological University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Tennessee Technological University excel at providing affordable education ($14,246 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Tennessee Technological University's 78.2% retention and 65.0% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($57,413 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Tennessee Technological University's 88.1% ROI and $14,246 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 65.0% graduation rate sits 2.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.2% first-year retention is 1.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 88.1% return on investment is 38.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,413 run about 5% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,246 is roughly $5,833 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years sits 21.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 30.9% trails the national share by 3.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Tennessee Technological University, a public university in Cookeville, TN, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #503 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 78.2% retention and 65.0% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 88.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,246 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,663.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,417 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,650 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $57,413 four years after graduation. This is roughly 5% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 88.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Tennessee Technological University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tennessee Technological University's acceptance rate?
Tennessee Technological University's acceptance rate is 76.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Tennessee Technological University cost?
At Tennessee Technological University, listed tuition and fees are $11,376 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,246. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Tennessee Technological University's ranking?
Tennessee Technological University ranks #503 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Tennessee Technological University's graduation rate?
At Tennessee Technological University, the graduation rate is 65.0%, and first-year retention is 78.2%.
What are Tennessee Technological University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Tennessee Technological University report median earnings of $57,413 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Tennessee Technological University's student population?
Tennessee Technological University enrolls about 8,698 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
- Website www.tntech.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$95.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.6%