Admit rate has ranged 78%–83% over the last 5 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Tennessee Technological University, known as Tennessee Tech or TTU, is a public university in Cookeville that punches above its weight in engineering and applied sciences. With a 78% acceptance rate and a strong focus on undergraduate success, it boasts the highest freshmen retention and four-year graduation rates among Tennessee's public universities. The campus culture is notably collaborative, with a welcoming vibe and ample green space that fosters both academic rigor and a tight-knit community.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
8,698
In-state tuition
$11,376
Out-of-state tuition
$15,576
Top Majors
Engineering (16%), History (17%), Nursing
Campus Housing
27% of students
Acceptance Rate
78-83%
4-Year Graduation Rate
41-48%
6-Year Graduation Rate
66%
Median Salary After 6 Years
$43,759
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,501
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.4×
Median debt at graduation
$15,650
Graduation rate
58%
First-year retention
78%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
64%
Pell (lower-income) share
65%
First-generation share
38%
Endowment / student
$12,162
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$70,296
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
87
Summer high
85°F
Winter low
34°F
Annual rain
71.4"
Annual snow
7.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
165
Scholarly works
10,220
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
2.3%
Bottom → top quintile
24%
From bottom quintile
10%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University's acceptance rate is approximately 76% (Cookeville, TN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Tennessee Technological University?
Admitted students at Tennessee Technological University typically score 1048–1310 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Tennessee Technological University cost?
At Tennessee Technological University, the average net price (after aid) is about $14,246 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Tennessee Technological University?
Tennessee Technological University enrolls approximately 8,698 undergraduate students.
Where is Tennessee Technological University located?
Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, TN.
Admissions
Tennessee Tech maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 78-83%, making it accessible yet competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000-1240 on the SAT or 20-27 on the ACT, with a recommended minimum GPA of 2.5 for first-time college students. The regular application deadline is September 1, and the university emphasizes a Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. process that considers academic preparation alongside test scores.
Tennessee Tech is renowned for its engineering programs, often dubbed 'the best engineering school in Tennessee' by students. Popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Nursing, with Engineering (16%) and History (17%) being the most pursued fields. The university fosters a hands-on learning environment through research opportunities and civic engagement, supported by a network of colleges like the College of Engineering and the College of Arts & Sciences. The Princeton Review highlights its strong academic reputation, particularly in STEM disciplines.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Civil Engineering$53,202
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$51,907
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Life at Tennessee Tech balances academic focus with a vibrant, inclusive social scene. Only 27% of students live on campus, with housing options spanning nine residence halls and Tech Village apartments. The campus is praised for its green spaces and collaborative atmosphere, where Greek life and campus events like those featured on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph8kSW4jv2U) add to the community vibe. Cookeville’s small-town setting provides a backdrop for outdoor activities, while student reviews highlight approachable professors and a 'welcoming without heavy partying' culture.
Tennessee Tech shines in student success metrics, with a 78% freshmen retention rate and a 41-48% four-year graduation rate—the highest among Tennessee’s public universities. Six-year graduation rates climb to 66%, and graduates report a median salary of $43,759 within six years of earning their degree. The university’s emphasis on timely degree completion and career readiness is evident in its consistent ranking for high retention and graduation rates.
With a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. averaging $23,548 after aid, Tennessee Tech is a relatively affordable option for in-state students. Financial aid is widespread, with 98% of students receiving some form of assistance, including grants (90% of students) averaging $7,746 and school-specific grants (30%) at $4,383. The university offers a net price calculator to help families estimate costs, and 44% of students take out loans to cover expenses.
Tennessee Tech distinguishes itself through a rare combination of accessibility and academic rigor, particularly in engineering and applied sciences. Its highest-in-state retention and graduation rates reflect a commitment to student success, while the collaborative campus culture—bolstered by green spaces and engaged faculty—creates an environment where students thrive. For those seeking a hands-on, career-focused education without the cutthroat competition of larger tech schools, TTU delivers both value and community.
Tennessee Technological University logo · sourceTennessee Tech University · sourceTennessee Tech makes plans for 'iconic' tower in the heart of campus - News · sourceStudent Life - Safety & Security · source
