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Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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 driving innovation in engineering, technology, and beyond.

Tennessee Technological University, branded as Tennessee Tech, stands as a dynamic public research university and institute of technology nestled in Cookeville, Tennessee. Recognized for its "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification, Tennessee Tech places a strong emphasis on undergraduate education in critical fields like engineering, technology, and computer science. Beyond these core strengths, the university also offers comprehensive degrees in education, liberal arts, agriculture, and nursing, ensuring a broad spectrum of academic opportunities for its diverse student body. Graduate and doctorate programs further extend its reach, particularly in engineering, education, business, and the liberal arts.

The institution's rich history traces back to the University of Dixie, a private Christian college chartered in 1909. Facing financial challenges, the campus transitioned to state control on March 27, 1915, and was re-chartered as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TPI). Under the transformative leadership of President Everett Derryberry, who served from 1940 to 1974, TPI experienced its most significant period of growth, expanding both its physical campus and academic offerings. This remarkable era saw student enrollment skyrocket from 700 to 7,000, laying the groundwork for its future. In 1965, recognizing its expanded scope and academic prowess, TPI was officially elevated to university status and renamed Tennessee Technological University.

Today, Tennessee Tech is home to over 10,700 students, fostering a vibrant suburban campus environment spanning 235 acres in northern Cookeville. Students can immerse themselves in a robust academic experience complemented by a lively campus life. The university's athletic teams, known as the Golden Eagles, proudly compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Ohio Valley Conference, bringing a strong sense of spirit and community to the campus. With a commitment to both rigorous academics and a supportive student experience, Tennessee Tech prepares its graduates to lead and innovate.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
  • Strong emphasis on undergraduate education in engineering, technology, and computer science.
  • Home to over 10,701 students (as of Fall 2025).
  • Endowment of $105.8 million (2024).
  • Athletic teams, the Golden Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Ohio Valley Conference.
  • Features a suburban campus spanning 235 acres in Cookeville, Tennessee.
  • Offers graduate and doctorate degrees in engineering, education, business, and liberal arts.

Timeline

1909
Chartered as the University of Dixie.
1912
University of Dixie began operations.
1915
State government assumed control, re-chartered as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute.
1929
First class graduated with four-year bachelor's degrees.
1940
Everett Derryberry began his tenure as president, initiating a period of significant growth.
1965
Elevated to university status and renamed Tennessee Technological University.
1974
President Everett Derryberry concluded his tenure, during which student enrollment grew from 700 to 7,000.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Philip B. Oldham
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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