Nashville, Tennessee, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has achieved notable recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, moving to 49th among public universities from last year’s 52nd position. In various specific categories, UT excelled, ranking 14th in innovation and 23rd in best value schools. The rankings reflect UT’s dedication to education and innovation, contributing significantly to student opportunities and institutional pride.
Nashville, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) has received significant recognition in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. In the latest rankings, UT ranks 49th among public universities, improving from its previous position of 52nd last year. Overall, the university is tied for 102nd place when considering both public and private institutions.
UT has also made remarkable strides in several specific categories. The university ranked 14th among public schools in innovation, moving up from 24th among public universities and 95th overall last year. In the category of Best Value Schools, UT achieved a 23rd rank among public universities and 89th overall. Additionally, in the Best Colleges for Veterans category, the university places 48th among public universities and 67th overall.
The Princeton Review has also recognized UT as a top value college, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to higher education affordability and quality.
College Rankings Overview
Several specific colleges within UT received notable rankings in the U.S. News report. The Haslam College of Business had a strong showing, ranking 25th among public universities and 37th overall. Notably, UT’s supply chain management program continues to excel, ranking 3rd nationally for the sixth consecutive year. The accounting program is positioned at 15th among public universities and 30th overall, while the economics program ranks 43rd among public universities and 99th overall.
The College of Nursing, based in the new UT Medical Nursing Building, ranked 18th among public universities and 28th overall. In engineering, the Tickle College of Engineering holds the 37th position among public universities and 64th overall. Earlier this year, UT’s nuclear engineering graduate program was ranked 2nd among public universities and tied for 3rd nationally.
Ranking Methodology and Context
U.S. News measured nearly 1,500 U.S. institutions granting four-year bachelor’s degrees for its rankings. The rankings have evolved in their methodology over the years, leading to discussions about their accuracy and relevance, with some institutions opting out of the rankings altogether.
This year, fifteen Tennessee schools made the U.S. News list of the best national universities, including Vanderbilt University, which maintains a position in the top 20. Additionally, four more schools from the state made it into the top 250 rankings.
Conclusion
The significant rankings achieved by UT reflect its commitment to education, innovation, and the enhancement of student opportunities. Chancellor Donde Plowman has expressed pride in these advancements, showcasing a dedicated effort towards creating a positive environment for students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current ranking of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville among public universities?
UT is ranked 49th among public universities, improving from 52nd last year.
How does UT rank in terms of innovation?
The university earned the 14th spot among public schools and 28th overall for innovation, moving up from 24th among public schools (95th overall) last year.
What are the rankings of specific colleges within UT?
The Haslam College of Business ranks 25th among public universities and 37th overall, while the College of Nursing ranks 18th among public universities and 28th overall.
How many Tennessee schools made it to this year’s U.S. News Best Colleges list?
Fifteen Tennessee schools made this year’s U.S. News list of the best national universities.
| Ranking Category | UT Ranking (Public) | UT Ranking (Overall) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | 49th | 102nd |
| Innovation | 14th | 28th |
| Best Value Schools | 23rd | 89th |
| Best Colleges for Veterans | 48th | 67th |
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Rankings
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Tennessean: Tennessee Best College Rankings
- Google Search: U.S. News Best Colleges
- Longhorns Wire: SEC Academic Ranking
- Google Scholar: University of Tennessee
- Hoodline: UT Knoxville Innovation Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University Rankings
- Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Football Rankings
- Google News: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox 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 Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
