About Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Tech built its reputation as one of the state's top public universities for engineering and STEM education. The university enrolls 8,495 students in the small town of Cookeville, where it has operated since 1915. Engineering programs draw students from across Tennessee, though 93% of students stay in-state for this quality education. Notable graduates include former NASA engineer Jere Whitson and drag racing pioneer Bill Jenkins, reflecting the school's strong technical foundation.
Students pay an average net price of $14,207 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a technical degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,501 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $166. The median debt load of $15,650 stays manageable compared to earnings potential. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 facing a net price of only $9,641.
The student body skews male at 55%, typical for a technology-focused university. Students stick around at a 77% retention rate, though only 54% graduate within six years. The Golden Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and 306 student-athletes. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to professors despite the public university setting.
Students pay an average net price of $14,207 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a technical degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,501 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $166. The median debt load of $15,650 stays manageable compared to earnings potential. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 facing a net price of only $9,641.
The student body skews male at 55%, typical for a technology-focused university. Students stick around at a 77% retention rate, though only 54% graduate within six years. The Golden Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and 306 student-athletes. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to professors despite the public university setting.
Academics & Faculty
Tennessee Tech built its reputation as one of Tennessee's top STEM universities, with engineering programs that consistently rank among the state's best. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in technical fields that demand hands-on learning. However, the 57% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete demanding engineering coursework. The school excels in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, along with computer science programs that feed directly into regional tech industries. Alumni like former NASA engineer Jere Whitson demonstrate the university's strong connections to aerospace and technology sectors. Students here get rigorous technical training with enough faculty support to succeed in challenging STEM disciplines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.2%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,501
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,284 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,296 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,355 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,579 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $60,256 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,688 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,576 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,775 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $53,202 |
Campus Life
Tennessee Tech's campus sits in Cookeville, a town of 35,000 nestled in the Cumberland Mountains about 80 miles east of Nashville. Housing capacity accommodates 2,509 students, roughly 30% of the 8,495 enrollment, creating a blend of on-campus and commuter student life. The 93.49% in-state student body means most students are familiar with Tennessee's humid subtropical climate, where you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for summer heat.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close relationships in engineering labs and STEM classrooms, where Tech has built its reputation since 1915. Students often gather at the Hooper Eblen Center for Golden Eagles basketball games or explore nearby Center Hill Lake and Edgar Evins State Park on weekends. The town's proximity to Tennessee's outdoor recreation areas makes camping and hiking popular weekend activities. With 306 athletes competing in 13 Division I sports, school spirit runs high during Ohio Valley Conference competitions. Many students balance rigorous coursework with part-time jobs in town, reflecting the practical, work-focused culture that defines this technological university.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close relationships in engineering labs and STEM classrooms, where Tech has built its reputation since 1915. Students often gather at the Hooper Eblen Center for Golden Eagles basketball games or explore nearby Center Hill Lake and Edgar Evins State Park on weekends. The town's proximity to Tennessee's outdoor recreation areas makes camping and hiking popular weekend activities. With 306 athletes competing in 13 Division I sports, school spirit runs high during Ohio Valley Conference competitions. Many students balance rigorous coursework with part-time jobs in town, reflecting the practical, work-focused culture that defines this technological university.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 2,509 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–47°F
- July Avg
- 66°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.1"
Student Demographics
Tennessee Tech draws a primarily local student body, with 93% coming from within Tennessee. The school serves as an affordable pathway to STEM careers for middle-class families across the state. Men slightly outnumber women at 55% to 45%, reflecting the university's strong engineering and technology focus. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school successfully attracts first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, mirroring the demographics of rural Tennessee where many students originate.
- Men
- 54.9%
- Women
- 45.1%
- White
- 79.8%
- Black
- 4.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.2%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 93.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
Tennessee Tech sits in Cookeville, a college town about 80 miles east of Nashville in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau. The university draws 93.49% of its 8,495 students from within Tennessee, making it a distinctly regional institution. Cookeville blends small-town charm with outdoor recreation opportunities, surrounded by rolling hills and within driving distance of Center Hill Lake. The town revolves around the university, creating a tight-knit campus community where students know their professors personally. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the setting encourages close academic relationships. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Tennessee Tech with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cookeville, Tennessee 38505-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,501
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,599
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $166/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,650
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University accepts 78% of applicants with an average ACT score of 25. The university draws heavily from Tennessee, with 93% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Tennessee Technological University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,207 annually after aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,641, while the median debt at graduation is a manageable $15,650.
What is Tennessee Technological University known for academically?
The university excels in engineering and STEM programs with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Tennessee Tech has built a reputation as one of the state's top public technological universities since its founding in 1915.
What are the job prospects for Tennessee Technological University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.8% employment rate with median earnings of $48,501 ten years after graduation. The university's strong STEM focus helps explain why 63.7% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
Where is Tennessee Technological University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Cookeville, Tennessee, housing 2,509 students on campus out of 8,495 total enrollment. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and over $5 million in athletic scholarships.
Does Tennessee Technological University have notable alumni in engineering and technology?
The university has produced significant figures like former NASA engineer Jere Whitson and drag racing pioneer Bill Jenkins. With a 57% four-year graduation rate, Tennessee Tech continues building on its legacy in technological education.
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