Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN

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Quick Facts

Public research university and institute of technology

Type

8,495

Total Students

$120M

Endowment

(2025)

$10K

Tuition (In-State)

$20K

Tuition (Out-State)

$14K

Avg Net Price

83%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Graduation Rate

6-year

77%

Retention Rate

Doctoral Universities

Classification

President: Philip B. Oldham

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech: A public research powerhouse igniting innovation in engineering and technology.

Tennessee Technological University, branded as Tennessee Tech, stands as a vibrant public research university and institute of technology nestled in Cookeville, Tennessee. Distinguished by its "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification, the university places a special emphasis on undergraduate education in fields like engineering, technology, and computer science. Beyond these core strengths, students can also pursue degrees in education, liberal arts, agriculture, nursing, and more, alongside robust graduate and doctorate offerings in various disciplines.

The university's history is a testament to its evolution and resilience. It began as the private University of Dixie, chartered in 1909, but faced funding challenges. In 1915, the state government stepped in, rechartering it as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. From humble beginnings with just 13 faculty and 19 students, the institution steadily grew, awarding its first four-year bachelor's degrees in 1929.

A significant period of transformation occurred under President Everett Derryberry, who led the university from 1940 to 1974. During his remarkable tenure, Tennessee Tech experienced its largest growth, expanding both its physical infrastructure and academic programs. Student enrollment soared from 700 to 7,000, underscoring its rising prominence. In 1965, recognizing its expanded scope and offerings, Tennessee Polytechnic Institute was elevated to university status and formally renamed Tennessee Technological University.

Today, Tennessee Tech is a thriving academic community with over 10,701 students calling its 235-acre suburban campus home. The Golden Eagles, the university's athletic teams, proudly compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, embodying the spirit and competitiveness that defines the institution. With a focus on impactful research and a diverse academic portfolio, Tennessee Tech continues to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful contributions.

Key Highlights

✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity."
✦Strong emphasis on undergraduate education in engineering, technology, and computer science.
✦Home to over 10,701 students (Fall 2025).
✦Endowment stands at an impressive $120.45 million (2025).
✦Golden Eagles athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I, Ohio Valley Conference.
✦Expansive suburban campus spanning 235 acres in Cookeville, Tennessee.
✦Underwent significant growth, increasing student enrollment from 700 to 7,000 under President Everett Derryberry.

Timeline

1909

Chartered as the private University of Dixie.

1912

University of Dixie began operations.

1915

State assumed control, rechartered as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute.

1916

Academic year began with just 13 faculty and 19 students.

1929

First class graduated with four-year bachelor's degrees.

1940

Everett Derryberry began his long tenure as president.

1965

Elevated to university status and renamed Tennessee Technological University.

1974

President Derryberry concluded his tenure, during which enrollment grew from 700 to 7,000.

Leadership

Philip B. Oldham

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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