If you’re looking for the best engineering schools in Tennessee, look no further. In this article, we discuss them in detail and provide Tennessee engineering school rankings. We’ve also included separate lists of the best engineering schools in Tennessee specifically for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.
This article also contains information about the best engineering jobs you can get with an engineering degree, in addition to advice for choosing the right school for your engineering education.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Tennessee
To choose the best engineering school in Tennessee, consider essential factors that will help set you up for success, such as the school’s location and its career services, plus the cost, format, and specialization options of the programs offered.
Campus Location
The location of the campus of your chosen school is important because you will have to go there often for classes, seminars, exams, and meetings. You also might choose to participate in extracurricular activities, which means more trips to campus.
Cost
You will have to pay not only for your tuition but also for fees and books and other course materials, so be sure to sufficiently research all costs associated with your degree to make sure that you can afford them. Opportunities for financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans can help reduce the financial burden.
Format
You may be required to work or fulfill other responsibilities while pursuing your degree, so you need a flexible schedule. Many engineering schools in Tennessee have part-time and online options for your degree in engineering.
Specialization Options
If you plan on specializing in a particular area of engineering, it is crucial to make sure that the engineering school offers it via a degree program, or is able to accommodate your educational needs in another way. Supporting resources, like engineering student organizations, clubs, labs, and research facilities, can also be critical to your success.
Career Services
Career services often prove invaluable. Schools offer these services to engineering students to help them secure employment in the engineering industry. They do this by providing internship opportunities, job boards, interview preparation, resume writing tips, portfolio building, and more.
Tennessee Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Tennessee?
Tennessee Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee
To rank the best engineering schools in Tennessee, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee Explained
The best engineering schools in Tennessee are a mix of private and public universities with multiple options for engineering degree programs. Most of them offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in engineering, and some offer online programs too. Let’s take a closer look at each of them below.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Tennessee
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Tennessee provide diverse areas of study for your Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Additionally, they provide excellent facilities, activities, events, clubs and organizations, internships, and research facilities that benefit your education. They also have various options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Tennessee
- Southern Adventist University | Associate of Science in Engineering. This school states on its website that the average aid package granted to students in scholarships, grants, and loans is $22,700. This can certainly help to pay for your associate degree education.
- Chattanooga State Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Technology. Chattanooga State Community College recently had one of its students and one of its programs recognized by the American Technical Education Association (ATEA) for “ATEA Outstanding Technical Student of the Year” and “Outstanding Technical Program by ATEA” respectively.
- Cleveland State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Systems Technology. This school’s Advanced Technologies Institute allows select students to gain experience and get paid for their time. Students can work in various areas, including automotive, food processing, welding, heating and air, power production, refrigeration, electronics manufacturing, surveying, or robotics.
- Nashville State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. This program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Engineering students must complete at least 12 credit hours of technical courses.
- Pellissippi State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Media Technologies: Audio Production Engineering. This program covers five avenues of audio production: recording, broadcast, sound design, live sound, and production management. Students learn the art of audio and production engineering in this program through acquired skills and knowledge.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Ethan Lippmann, one of the school’s faculty, was recently awarded the inaugural $2.5 million Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant for neurodegenerative disorders research. This is proof that engineering faculty are both instructing students and conducting innovative engineering research.
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The university is home to the Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks, an NSF Engineering Research Center. This provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning and for making a contribution to the field of electrical engineering.
- Tennessee Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The school has seven departments within its College of Engineering, and three research centers, including the Hixson Student Success Center. There are 89 faculty and 46 staff to support engineering students.
- University of Memphis | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The Herff College of Engineering has five academic departments, providing world-class research opportunities and real-world experience in research areas such as biomedical imaging and signal processing, nanotechnology, electric power, biomedical electronics, and advanced sensors.
- University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management. Engineering technology management students have stated that the school provides a comprehensive education via hands-on, real-world experience, and the program recently had a 100 percent employment rate for its graduates.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Tennessee
Tennessee’s best graduate engineering schools provide various options for master’s and doctoral degrees, meaningful and challenging research activities, and excellent facilities and student organizations. Many have career services to help you land the engineering job of your dreams.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | Master of Science in Risk, Reliability, and Resilience. The graduate engineering faculty is highly qualified, and the school has nine diverse research areas for students to pursue, including risk, reliability, and resilience.
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The Min H Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science leads research in high-performance computing, power systems, machine learning, and cyber security. The university’s research expenditures amount to around $320 million per year.
- Tennessee State University | Master of Engineering: Civil Engineering. Tennessee State University’s college of engineering has more than 30 years of experience in research in critical areas of technology, including data fusion and analytics, cyber security, networking, materials, transportation, and mechatronics.
- Tennessee Technological University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The faculty work closely with the National Science Foundation on various projects. They also collaborate with the Department of Defense and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Many also serve as leaders in professional societies such as The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Women in Cybersecurity (WiSyS), which Tennessee Tech founded.
- University of Memphis | Master of Science in Engineering Management. The Herff College of Engineering focuses on areas that make an impact on our immediate and global world, including healthcare improvements, clean drinking water, medical devices, electricity generation, smart grid technologies, and earthquake-safe structures. You can contribute as a student and make an impact.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | PhD in Chemical Engineering. Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering graduate programs have a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, ideal for technical subjects such as chemical engineering. US News & World Report also ranked Vanderbilt as number 73 in its list of the Best Global Universities.
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | PhD in Electrical Engineering. The Tickle College of Engineering has seven research areas. It honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the engineering field in Tennessee through their professional careers and research activities with the prestigious Dougherty Award.
- Tennessee State University | PhD in Engineering and Computational Sciences. TSU is ranked number 46 on US News & World Report’s list of the Top Public Schools in America. The school has various research facilities to support graduate engineering students and a cyber security lab, mobile robots, routers, CAD/CAM workstations, and more.
- Tennessee Technological University | PhD in Engineering: Civil Engineering. This school has six areas of research for graduate engineering students to participate in, including acoustics and vibrations, dynamics and smart systems, robotics, and automation, among others.
- University of Memphis | Phd in Electrical Engineering. In keeping with the university’s culture of “driven by doing,” UofM provides not only hands-on learning but also various options for internal, external, and international funding for research.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Tennessee
The admission requirements for engineering schools in Tennessee are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Most have online applications and application fees that have to be completed and paid. The process also usually includes submitting documents such as transcripts for any previous education, one or more personal statement essays, and letters of recommendation.
You also might need to have a minimum GPA and minimum SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT scores. International students normally have to provide proof of their proficiency in English via a test.
Graduate students must already have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools also have placement tests to test students’ readiness for the desired degree program.
Engineering Schools in Tennessee: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Application form and application fee
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- ACT or SAT scores
- Admissions essay or interview
Engineering Schools in Tennessee: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Application form and application fee
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Admissions essay or personal statement
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Tennessee?
No, it is not very hard to get into a school for engineering in Tennessee. Our research for this article shows acceptance rates between 12 and 100 percent, with five having acceptance rates of 80 percent or more. The schools that have 100 percent acceptance rates have open admissions, making it very easy to be accepted.
It is worth mentioning that you should have a foundational grasp of technical subjects like math and science before enrolling in an engineering degree program.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Tennessee for Engineering
- Tennessee State University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Tennessee State University has open admissions. It provides degree programs in architectural, mechanical, civil and environmental, and electrical engineering.
- Middle Tennessee State University | Acceptance Rate: 94%. This university provides degree programs in mechatronics and technology engineering. A 94 percent acceptance rate is exceptionally high among colleges and universities in America, meaning that you have an excellent chance of getting accepted.
- Austin Peay State University | Acceptance Rate: 91%. APSU provides computer science, physics, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and mechatronics technology engineering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Its high acceptance rate gives you a great chance to get into this school.
- The University of Memphis | Acceptance Rate: 85%. A college acceptance rate percentage in the 80s is still considered high. This school offers degree programs in biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and technology engineering.
- Tennessee Tech University | Acceptance Rate: 80%. Tennessee Tech’s 80 percent acceptance rate means you have a very good chance of gaining acceptance. The school provides various degrees in areas such as general, chemical, civil, electrical and computer, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Tennessee
The best online schools for engineering in Tennessee are also ranked highly among the best for on-campus engineering degree programs. The degree programs they offer are plentiful and varied. They have opportunities for financial aid and excellent graduation rates. The graduation rates below were sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 71% | Master of Science in Civil Engineering: Public Works |
| Tennessee Tech University | 58% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| University of Memphis | 50% | Master of Science in Engineering Technology |
| University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | 49% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| Vanderbilt University | 12% | Master of Engineering in Engineering Management |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Tennessee
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Tennessee are Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, East Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, and University of Tennessee.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Tennessee With Financial Aid
The top engineering schools in Tennessee with financial aid provide a combination of federal and state, university, and private scholarships, grants, and funding. The federal government uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to provide students with various opportunities for scholarships and grants.
These help pay for tuition, books, materials, and room and board, depending on the defined terms. Below are some examples of financial aid funds available in Tennessee.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Tennessee Students
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant | Amount: Varies, covers tuition. Independent engineering students, or those at least 23 years old, seeking an associate degree or certificate for the first time may apply. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits and maintain a GPA of 2.0 to renew the grant.
- TCAT Reconnect Scholarship | Amount: Varies. Independent students who are residents of Tennessee enrolled in a full-time program through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology may apply.
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program | Amount: $6,000. This amount is paid in equal amounts by the state and the college you attend. Students must be Tennessee residents, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and have an ACT composite score of 29 or higher.
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award | Amount: $1,000-$4,000. Parents of eligible students must be Tennessee residents. Students must enroll in at least a half-time program at an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution and can’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. They must maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress.
- Dependent Children Scholarship Program | Amount: Varies. Students with a parent who either has passed away or is permanently disabled as a result of working as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service technician are eligible. They must be a Tennessee resident and be enrolled in a full-time program.
Tennessee Employment Outlook for Engineering
Tennessee’s employment outlook looks strong. Between November 2021 and April 2022, the state’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.6 percent to 3.2 percent, meaning that more people in Tennessee are employed.
On top of this, engineering is listed among the most in-demand jobs in the state of Tennessee. Acquiring a degree in your desired subfield of engineering may put you among these in-demand professionals, who often earn high-paying salaries.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Tennessee
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $136,560 |
| Chemical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $114,290 |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $98,630 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $98,600 |
| Aerospace Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $97,370 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Tennessee Explained
The best engineering jobs in Tennessee are architectural and engineering manager and aerospace, biomedical, chemical, or electrical engineer. These jobs represent diverse fields and come with excellent salaries and good job outlooks. Let’s have a closer look.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Tennessee I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Tennessee you go to for your engineering education. Depending on the degree you choose to pursue, you should do your research to ensure that the school has the facilities, the projects, the clubs and organizations, the career services, and any other resources you require.
Checking as many of these boxes as possible will help ensure that you get the challenging, high-quality education you need for this technical degree. Luckily, the state of Tennessee has many outstanding schools that provide the education you seek.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee FAQ
Yes, you can get a remote engineering job with an engineering degree from Tenessee. Many remote jobs are available on Indeed and ZipRecruiter for engineers with a Tennessee engineering degree.
Yes, you can attend engineering schools in Tennessee for free. The Tennessee Reconnect Grant helps state residents acquire degrees tuition-free. You can find the specific eligibility requirements on the website.
You can find engineering jobs in Tennessee on reputable job boards such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn.
Yes, you can get an engineering job without a Tennessee engineering school degree. Some engineering fields don’t require an engineering degree, such as quality control inspector, construction and building inspector, carpenter, and electrician, to name just a few.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
