What Tennessee Technological University does

Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) is a public research university founded in 1915 and located in Cookeville, Tennessee. Designated as Tennessee's only technological university and operating within the Tennessee Board of Regents system, the institution serves approximately 10,000 students through more than 200 academic programs spanning nine colleges and schools. The College of Engineering awards more than 400 degrees annually across seven engineering disciplines and is ranked among the top two engineering programs for Tennessee public universities by U.S. News & World Report. Tennessee Tech is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and was named the top public university in Tennessee by Money Magazine.

The university delivers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education with four doctoral programs (engineering, education, nursing practice, and environmental sciences) and 24 master's and specialist degrees available on-campus or online. Specialized research and education centers include CEROC (Center for Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach), the Center for Manufacturing Research, and the Center for Energy Systems Research. The technology platform comprises the iLearn learning management system, Tech Connect digital services hub, Tech Express self-service portal, and a Coursedog-powered undergraduate catalog, integrated with Handshake for career services, LinkedIn Learning, and YuJa Media. AI-related capabilities include a BS in Artificial Intelligence program, NLP-driven website features, and graph-based anomaly detection within CEROC.

Tennessee Tech's revenue model combines recurring tuition and fees (in-state and out-of-state) with state appropriations from Tennessee, federal and state research grants (including DOE, USDA, DOD, and THEC funding), and donations and endowments managed through the TN Tech Foundation. The go-to-market motion is direct-to-consumer, leveraging SOAR orientation, campus visits, college fairs, and digital marketing, while distribution channels include on-campus delivery in Cookeville, online and hybrid programs via iLearn, transfer partnerships with community colleges, and study abroad exchanges including the Aachen Dual Degree in International Business.

Name

Tennessee Technological University

Legal name

Tennessee Technological University

Website

https://tntech.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1915

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Tennessee Technological University is a public research university founded in 1915 in Cookeville, Tennessee, serving approximately 10,000 students across 200+ academic programs in nine colleges, designated as Tennessee's only technological university within the state Board of Regents system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Engineering/Polytechnic Emphasis (EDAHAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK), Technical Universities with Specialized Engineering Domains (EDAHAEAI), Technical Universities with Strong Industry Partnerships (EDAHAEAG)

Keywords

• Higher education programs
• Engineering degree programs
• Cybersecurity research
• Manufacturing research
• Graduate education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Cookeville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, including in-state and out-of-state rates, plus various campus fees for services
2. State Funding: Appropriations from the State of Tennessee for public higher education operations
3. Research Grants and Contracts: Funding from federal agencies (DOE, USDA, DOD), state commissions, and private foundations supporting research activities
4. Donations and Endowments: Contributions from alumni, corporate partners, and philanthropic donors managed through the TN Tech Foundation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tennessee Technological University is a public research university offering more than 200 academic programs across nine colleges and schools, including bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and education specialist degrees. The university awards over 400 engineering degrees annually and provides academic delivery through the iLearn LMS, Tech Connect portal, and Tech Express self-service platform, with specialized research centers in cybersecurity (CEROC), manufacturing, and energy systems.

Product overview

Tennessee Technological University is a public research university offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs through nine colleges and schools. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across disciplines including agriculture, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, nursing, and interdisciplinary studies. Core academic products include traditional degree programs, the iLearn learning management system, the Tech Connect digital services portal, Tech Express self-service platform, and the Volpe Library learning resource center. Specialized offerings include the CEROC cybersecurity research center with AI-Cyber initiatives, the College of Engineering with over 400 annual degrees across seven disciplines, and the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing serving diverse student populations from first-time learners to practicing RNs. The institution also provides continuing education through LinkedIn Learning, career services via Handshake, and research opportunities through centers including the Center for Manufacturing Research, Center for Energy Systems Research, and Center for Rural Innovation. The undergraduate catalog and academic programs are powered by the Coursedog platform, providing students access to course exploration, program discovery, and academic planning tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Golden Eagle: University mascot representing Tennessee Tech athletics and identity
• SOAR

Products and services

• College of Engineering The flagship college awarding more than 400 degrees annually across seven disciplines (Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, General & Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering), with doctoral programs and extensive graduate offerings.
• College of Arts & Sciences Houses foundational courses for all Tennessee Tech majors, providing a liberal arts education across biology, chemistry, earth sciences, English, foreign languages, history, mathematics, physics, and sociology & political science.
• College of Business Prepares students for business leadership through programs in accounting, business AI & analytics, economics, finance, HR management, information technology, marketing, and operations management, including MBA and Master of Accountancy degrees.
• College of Education & Human Sciences Offers degrees in teaching, administration, exceptional learning, psychology, counseling, exercise science, and allied health professions with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
• Whitson-Hester School of Nursing Serves diverse student populations including first-time degree seekers, career changers, RNs seeking master's degrees, and RNs returning for baccalaureate completion, offering BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
• College of Graduate Studies Administers four doctoral programs in engineering, education, nursing practice, and environmental sciences, along with 24 master's and specialist degrees available on-campus or online.
• College of Agriculture & Human Ecology Offers coursework in food production and safety, dietetics, families, farming, pre-veterinary science, and design and merchandising, with Tech Farm facilities.
• College of Fine Arts Nationally accredited undergraduate programs in art, design, fine craft, music performance, and music education, offered in state-of-the-art facilities including craft studios, concert halls, and the Appalachian Center for Craft.
• CEROC (Center for Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach) Comprehensive cybersecurity center encompassing AI-Cyber education, workforce development, outreach programs, and research initiatives including anomaly detection, quantum security, and cyber range training capabilities.
• Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Comprehensive undergraduate degree program in the Computer Science department preparing students to design, develop, and deploy AI systems across various industries.
• iLearn Learning Management System Primary learning management system powering online and hybrid course delivery, integrated with YuJa video platform, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and various assessment tools.
• Center for Manufacturing Research Engineering research center focused on additive manufacturing, material science, combined heat and power, and manufacturing technology innovation.
• Center for Energy Systems Research Research center advancing energy systems through smart grid technology, wireless power, robotics, and resilient infrastructure development.
• Volpe Library University library providing study spaces, tutoring, research materials, archives, special collections, computer access, and information assistance for Tech and Cookeville community.

Quantifiable outcome

• 650% research growth leading record year
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Universities Space Research Association (USRA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Tennessee Tech elected to USRA membership on May 18, 2026. USRA is an independent nonprofit organization that advances space-related science, engineering, and technology through research, education, and workforce development programs. The membership requires demonstrated significant contributions in space or aerospace research by faculty and a commitment to doctoral-level studies in related fields. Tennessee Tech becomes one of 124 member institutions.
• Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026State agency providing funding grants to support nuclear education and workforce training programs. Distributed $899,487 to four institutions across Tennessee including nuclear technology, chemical engineering technology, and environmental health technology programs.
• Partner Universities (Study Abroad)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTennessee Tech maintains exchange agreements with international partner universities for study abroad programs. Programs include dual degree options such as the Aachen Dual Degree in International Business. Students can study in Asia, Europe, North/Central/South America through faculty-led or exchange programs.
• Community Colleges and Transfer PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTennessee Tech maintains transfer agreements with community colleges across Tennessee for seamless student transfer. Programs like 'Putnam First' and transfer orientation support smooth transitions from two-year to four-year institutions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Louisiana Tech University: Louisiana Tech is a public research university with comparable enrollment (~10,000 students), engineering focus, and applied science emphasis. Both serve similar regional public university roles in their respective states.
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology: New Mexico Tech is a public technological university with research strengths in engineering, cybersecurity, and applied sciences. Both institutions compete for federal research grants and serve as their state's technological education niche.
• Missouri University of Science and Technology: Missouri S&T is a public technological university with strong engineering and applied sciences focus, closely mirroring Tennessee Tech's positioning as a state-designated technological institution. Both compete for engineering students and federal research dollars in similar mid-size markets.
• Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Poly is a public STEM-focused university established as Florida's dedicated technology university, paralleling Tennessee Tech's status. Both emphasize engineering, computing, and AI/cyber programs with smaller student bodies.

Regional players

• Middle Tennessee State University: MTSU is a Tennessee public university serving a similar student demographic in the state. While larger and more general-purpose, it competes with Tennessee Tech for Tennessee-resident undergraduates and shares state funding dynamics.
• University of Memphis: University of Memphis is another major Tennessee public university competing for in-state students and research funding. It serves as a regional public alternative to Tennessee Tech with broader program offerings.
• East Tennessee State University: ETSU is a Tennessee Board of Regents public university serving a comparable in-state student population. Both institutions share the Tennessee state governance structure and compete for similar undergraduate markets.

Broad incumbents

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville: UT-Knoxville is Tennessee's flagship research university with significantly larger engineering programs and brand recognition. As a broader incumbent, it competes with Tennessee Tech for in-state engineering talent and research funding within the same state system context.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tennessee-technological-university

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tennessee Technological University