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University Rankings & Recognitions

University Rankings & Recognitions

As a respected institution of higher learning dedicated to academic excellence and student success, MTSU is proud to be nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its academic programs.

Among America’s Best

  • MTSU was honored to be named to the Princeton Review’s prestigious “Best Colleges” for a sixth year in a row (2020-2025)!
  • Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges 2024-2025
  • The Wall Street Journal recently recognized MTSU for the first time on its list of America’s Best Colleges 2025!
  • U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges (2025, Social Mobility)

Aerospace

Biology/Forensic Science

Engineering Technology

Mathematics

Mechatronics Engineering

  • MTSU has the only Siemens Level 3 Certificate Program in the U.S. (MTSUNews.com, 2019)

Physics

Criminal Justice

Nursing

  • Ranked #1 nursing program in Tennessee and the only state program ranked in the Top 30 nationwide (NurseJournal.org, 2015
  • Ranked #15 in “America’s Best Nursing Schools” among schools of nursing in the eastern U.S.
  • Best Nursing Schools (Abound, 2024)
  • Best Master’s of Nursing (Abound, 2024)
  • Top Nursing Colleges of Distinction 2024-25 (Colleges of Distinction)

Psychology

Social Work

  • Ranked #2 for Most Affordable Master’s in Social Work Degrees in Tennessee (SocialWorkDegree.org, 2019)
  • Ranked #5 in Best Bachelor’s in Social Work Degrees in Tennessee (SocialWorkDegree.org, 2019)

Tourism and Hospitality Management

  • Ranked #5 for Most Affordable Online Master’s in English Language Learning (College Choice, 2021)
  • In-the-field training offered through the undergraduate Elementary Teacher Preparation program was ranked among the nation’s best (USA Today, 2020)
  • Ranked #12 most affordable online Master of Library Science program in the country (College Choice, 2020)
  • Top Education Colleges of Distinction 2024-25 (Colleges of Distinction)

Liberal Arts

  • Ranked #1 Best Liberal Arts School in Tennessee; Ranked 14th nationally (Learn.org, 2017)
  • Ranked #1 among Tennessee colleges and universities in Best Liberal Arts General Studies Programs for Veterans and #17 in the U.S. (CollegeFactual.com, 2021)

Music

Political Science & International Relations

Communication Studies

  • Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution honor in recognition of 2nd international Pubic Debate Asociation national championship and phenomenal season (MTSUNews.com, 2017)

Media Arts

Recording Industry

MTSU Online

Master of Professional Studies

  • #2 of the “Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs in Training and Development in the U.S” (Grad School Hub, 2019)
  • #2 in the list of “Best Online Master’s in Training and Development Degrees” (OnlineMasters.com, 2019)
  • Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Leadership program ranked in top 25 nationally for great value (OnlineU, 2017)
  • The Applied Leadership Program won the 2016 Credit Program Award from the Tennessee Alliance for Continuing Higher Education (TACHE) and the 2016 Leadership Development Excellence Corporate University Best-inClass (CUBIC) Award at Corporate Learning Week. (Tennessee Alliance for Continuing Higher Education, 2016)

Scientia et Humanitas: A Journal of Student Research – Awarded by the National Collegiate Honors Council

  • Awarded 1st place for Student Print Winners in the Journal category in 2024

Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression – Awarded by Columbia Scholastic Press Association

  • Gold Crown Awards in 2012, 2013, and 2015; Silver Crown Awards in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2019

Arete: Honors Magazine – Awarded by National Collegiate Honors Council

  • Awarded 1st place in Honors Council Newsletter Contest in 2012, 2014, 2016; 2nd place in 2007, 2008, 2010; 3rd place in 2018

See What All The Hype Is About!

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