U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges ings Summary Report U.S. News World Report releases the Best Colleges ings each fall. These undergraduate rankings are used by students to help them decide where to apply to college. ings are based on criteria such as retention and graduation rates, peer assessments, student selectivity, and faculty and financial resources. This report presents the 2014 U.S. News Best Colleges ings for the University of Tennessee - Knoxville and our peers. Detailed peer rankings, and rankings methodology, are presented in the appendices. This year the methodology was changed to place more emphasis on outputs (especially retention and graduation rates) and less emphasis on inputs (selectivity). The University of Tennessee - Knoxville In the 2014 rankings, The University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) dropped one place in the public school rankings, from #46 to #47. We remained steady in the national rankings at #101. Our overall score increased by 1 point, from 47 in 2013 to 48 in 2014. The University improved in the following areas: faculty resources, six year graduation rate, selectivity rank, alumni giving rank, and high school counselor assessment. Among public universities, the undergraduate business program ranked 27 th and the undergraduate engineering program ranked 37 th. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville 2014 2013 2012 Overall ings National Universities 101 101 101 School 47 46 46 Institutional s/ings Overall 48 47 47 Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index 68 65 67 Peer Assessment 3.1 3.1 3.2 High School Counselor 3.7 3.6 3.7 Graduation & Retention 142 139 138 Six-year graduation rate 66% 63% 60% Average freshmen retention rate 85% 85% 85% Over/Under Predicted graduation rate -6-4 -3 Faculty Resources 85 115 131 Proportion of classes fewer than 20 students 39% 33% 32% Proportion of classes with 50+ students 7% 8% 8% Selectivity 70 78 94 SAT/ACT 25 th -75 th percentile 24-29 24-29 24-29 Freshmen in top 10% HS Class 50% 44% 34% Financial Resources 55 53 60 Alumni Giving 129 132 131 Average alumni giving rate 10% 11% 11% U.S. News 2014 ings Summary p. 1
90% UTK Freshman Retention Rate UTK Six Year Graduation Rate 88% 86% 84% 82% 80% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 68% 66% 64% 62% 60% 58% 56% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Overall ings National Universities 108 106 104 101 101 101 School 52 52 47 46 46 47 Institutional s/ings Overall 38 39 41 47 47 48 Peer Assessment 3 3-3.2 3.1 3.1 High School Counselor - - - 3.7 3.6 3.7 Undergrad. Academic Reputation Index - - 66 67 65 68 Graduation & Retention 138-137 138 139 142 Faculty Resources 125-132 131 115 85 Selectivity 70-86 94 78 70 Financial Resources 57-59 60 53 55 Alumni Giving 131-135 131 132 129 Peer Comparisons The University of Tennessee Knoxville most often compares ourselves to the group of institutions identified as our Top25 peers. From 2010-2012, we rose more in the public schools rankings than any of our peers (up 6 places). From 2012-2014, we dropped one place, while two of our peers dropped 6 places and two dropped 4 places. Only five peers rose in public rankings during this time period. Top 25 Peers National Universities ranking o Increased in rank: University of Illinois, Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, and Clemson University o Decreased in rank: University of Washington, University of Texas, Purdue University, and Texas A&M U.S. News 2014 ings Summary p. 2
Universities ranking o Increased in rank: Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, Clemson University and University of Georgia o Decreased in rank: University of Washington, University of Maryland, Texas A&M University, and Auburn University Overall o Increased in rank: Pennsylvania State University and University of Florida o Decreased in rank: University of Washington Graduation and Retention o Increased in rank: University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Washington, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, and Auburn University o Decreased in rank: University of Texas, Texas A&M, Indiana University, and Iowa State University In the 2014 national rankings, UTK tied with the following public institutions: Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, University of Kansas, University of Nebraska, and the University of Oklahoma. Two private institutions are also tied with us: Loyola University at Chicago and St. Louis University. For the past three years, we have been tied with a large group of public institutions. Most often it has been the University of Nebraska, University of Oklahoma, University of Kansas, North Carolina State University and Iowa State University. Other notable changes in the 2014 rankings include: Pennsylvania State University s increase in rank was mainly due to increases in faculty resources, selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving The University of Florida s increase in rank was mainly due to increases in peer assessment and high school counselor scores Clemson University and the University of Georgia continued their steady rise in ranking Florida State University has begun to rise in rankings, mostly because of an increase in graduation rates and selectivity Major institutions seeing a slip in rankings include The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Alabama, and Auburn University U.S. News 2014 ings Summary p. 3
Drop in rank Improvement in 6 4 2 0 2 4 6 U.S. News Institution ings for Top25 Peers Three-year change, 2012 to 2014, with 2014 rank #1 Berkeley #2 UCLA #2 Virginia #4 Michigan #5 UNC Chapel Hill #8 Penn State #9 UC Davis #11 Illinois #11 Wisconsin #11 UC Santa Barbara #14 Florida #16 Washington #16 UT Austin #16 Ohio State #20 Georgia #21 Maryland #21 Pittsburgh #21 Clemson #24 Purdue #25 Texas A&M #25 Minnesota #25 Rutgers #29 Michigan State #31 Indiana #40 Auburn #47 UT Knoxville #47 Iowa State #47 NC State 8 U.S. News 2014 ings Summary p. 4
U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges ings Appendix A: UTK and Peer Comparison Tables
USNWR Best Colleges ings Three-Year Trend Comparisons UTK Top 25 Peers 2014 National Universities 2013 National Universities 2012 National Universities Plus or Minus National 2014 Schools 2013 Schools 2012 Schools Plus or Minus University of Tennessee - Knoxville 101 101 101 0 47 46 46-1 University of California -Berkeley 20 21 21 1 1 1 1 0 University of California - Los Angeles 23 24 25 2 2 2 2 0 University of Virginia 23 24 25 2 2 2 2 0 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 28 29 28 0 4 4 4 0 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 30 30 29-1 5 5 5 0 University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 41 46 45 4 11 13 13 2 University of Wisconsin - Madison 41 41 42 1 11 10 10-1 University of California - Davis 39 38 38-1 9 8 9 0 University of California - Santa Barbara 41 41 42 1 11 10 10-1 University of Washington - Seattle 52 46 42-10 16 13 10-6 Pennsylvania State University 37 46 45 8 8 13 13 5 University of Florida 49 54 58 9 14 17 19 5 University of Texas - Austin 52 46 45-7 16 13 13-3 The Ohio State University 52 56 55 3 16 18 17 1 University of Maryland - College Park 62 58 55-7 21 19 17-4 University of Pittsburgh 62 58 58-4 21 19 19-2 University of Georgia 60 63 62 2 20 21 23 3 Clemson University 62 68 68 6 21 25 25 4 Purdue University 68 65 62-6 24 23 23-1 Texas A&M - College Station 69 65 58-9 25 23 19-6 University of Minnesota 69 68 68-1 25 25 25 0 Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 69 68 68-1 25 25 25 0 Indiana University 75 83 75 0 31 36 31 0 Michigan State University 73 72 71-2 29 28 28-1 Auburn University 91 89 82-3 40 37 36-4 Iowa State University 101 101 97-4 47 46 44-3 North Carolina State University - Raleigh 101 106 101 0 47 51 46-1
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2014 Peer ings Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers National Universities Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index Graduation & Retention Faculty Resources Selectivity Financial Resources University of Tennesse - Knoxville 101 47 48 3.1 3.7 68 142 85 70 55 129 University of California -Berkeley 20 1 79 4.7 4.7 94 21 32 24 37 105 University of California - Los Angeles 23 2 76 4.2 4.5 86 21 34 26 21 105 University of Virginia 23 2 76 4.3 4.5 88 11 38 24 55 33 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 28 4 74 4.5 4.4 89 25 77 22 40 47 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 30 5 72 4.1 4.5 85 31 68 34 36 37 University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 41 11 64 3.9 4.1 80 39 59 54 67 129 University of Wisconsin - Madison 41 11 64 4.1 4.2 83 42 95 53 55 137 University of California - Davis 39 9 65 3.8 4.1 79 45 68 49 29 164 University of California - Santa Barbara 41 11 64 3.5 3.9 73 49 29 40 68 65 University of Washington - Seattle 52 16 61 3.8 4.1 79 49 121 70 32 78 Pennsylvania State University 37 8 66 3.6 4.1 75 36 95 94 52 65 University of Florida 49 14 62 3.6 3.8 73 36 102 46 46 84 University of Texas - Austin 52 16 61 4.0 4.2 81 56 121 49 80 92 The Ohio State University 52 16 61 3.8 4.1 78 59 131 58 73 84 University of Maryland - College Park 62 21 58 3.6 4.0 75 45 15 49 82 137 University of Pittsburgh 62 21 58 3.4 3.9 71 65 131 64 37 112 University of Georgia 60 20 59 3.5 3.9 73 45 68 68 119 112 Clemson University 62 21 58 3.1 4.0 69 65 68 64 137 27 Purdue University 68 24 57 3.6 4.1 75 95 59 91 82 44 Texas A&M - College Station 69 25 56 3.6 4.0 75 59 189 103 90 30 University of Minnesota 69 25 56 3.7 3.9 75 91 143 57 45 122 Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 69 25 56 3.3 4.0 71 69 64 103 96 154 Indiana University 75 31 53 3.6 4.0 75 87 158 111 154 71 Michigan State University 73 29 54 3.4 3.9 71 69 179 103 96 98 Auburn University 91 40 50 3.2 3.9 69 108 121 87 130 39 Iowa State University 101 47 48 3.2 3.8 68 95 131 124 137 71 North Carolina State University - Raleigh 101 47 48 3.0 3.7 65 87 174 77 102 98 Alumni Giving
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2014 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Predicted 6-Year Graduation Rate Actual 6-Year Graduation Rate Over(+)/Under(-) Performance Average Freshmen Retention Rate Classes Under 20 Classes of 50 or More University of Tennesse - Knoxville 47 48 3.1 3.7 72.0% 66.0% -6% 85% 38.9% 7.0% University of California -Berkeley 1 79 4.7 4.7 89.0% 91.0% 2% 97% 63.4% 15.0% University of California - Los Angeles 2 76 4.2 4.5 88.0% 92.0% 4% 97% 50.0% 22.0% University of Virginia 2 76 4.3 4.5 90.0% 93.0% 3% 97% 54.5% 16.0% University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 4 74 4.5 4.4 90.0% 91.0% 1% 96% 45.7% 18.0% University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 5 72 4.1 4.5 86.0% 89.0% 3% 97% 36.5% 13.0% University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 11 64 3.9 4.1 80.0% 84.0% 4% 94% 42.0% 20.0% University of Wisconsin - Madison 11 64 4.1 4.2 81.0% 83.0% 2% 95% 45.7% 20.0% University of California - Davis 9 65 3.8 4.1 81.0% 85.0% 4% 92% 37.0% 24.0% University of California - Santa Barbara 11 64 3.5 3.9 83.0% 86.0% 3% 91% 49.1% 18.0% University of Washington - Seattle 16 61 3.8 4.1 82.0% 80.0% -2% 93% 37.6% 19.0% Pennsylvania State University 8 66 3.6 4.1 60.0% 86.0% 26% 92% 39.4% 15.0% University of Florida 14 62 3.6 3.8 82.0% 85.0% 3% 96% 48.7% 17.0% University of Texas - Austin 16 61 4.0 4.2 80.0% 79.0% -1% 92% 33.8% 26.0% The Ohio State University 16 61 3.8 4.1 71.0% 82.0% 11% 93% 29.7% 23.0% University of Maryland - College Park 21 58 3.6 4.0 82.0% 82.0% 0% 94% 36.2% 17.0% University of Pittsburgh 21 58 3.4 3.9 74.0% 79.0% 5% 92% 39.3% 20.0% University of Georgia 20 59 3.5 3.9 76.0% 82.0% 6% 94% 39.2% 11.0% Clemson University 21 58 3.1 4.0 76.0% 82.0% 6% 90% 51.1% 14.0% Purdue University 24 57 3.6 4.1 66.0% 70.0% 4% 89% 38.3% 18.0% Texas A&M - College Station 25 56 3.6 4.0 73.0% 80.0% 7% 92% 18.2% 26.0% University of Minnesota 25 56 3.7 3.9 71.0% 73.0% 2% 90% 39.6% 20.0% Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 25 56 3.3 4.0 71.0% 79.0% 8% 92% 38.0% 20.0% Indiana University 31 53 3.6 4.0 65.0% 75.0% 10% 89% 35.0% 18.0% Michigan State University 29 54 3.4 3.9 67.0% 79.0% 12% 91% 24.0% 21.0% Auburn University 40 50 3.2 3.9 66.0% 68.0% 2% 88% 29.9% 15.0% Iowa State University 47 48 3.2 3.8 66.0% 71.0% 5% 86% 32.1% 21.0% North Carolina State University - Raleigh 47 48 3.0 3.7 71.0% 71.0% 0% 91% 27.2% 18.0%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2014 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Student/Faculty Ratio Percentage of Full-Time Faculty ACT 25th-75th Percentile Freshmen in Top 10% of Class Acceptance Rate Average Alumni Giving Rate University of Tennesse - Knoxville University of California -Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of Virginia University of Michigan - Ann Arbor University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign University of Wisconsin - Madison University of California - Davis University of California - Santa Barbara University of Washington - Seattle Pennsylvania State University University of Florida University of Texas - Austin The Ohio State University University of Maryland - College Park University of Pittsburgh University of Georgia Clemson University Purdue University Texas A&M - College Station University of Minnesota Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey Indiana University Michigan State University Auburn University Iowa State University North Carolina State University - Raleigh 17:01 93.9% 24-29 50% 67.3% 10% 17:01 88.8% 1220-1490 98% 18.0% 12% 16:01 89.8% 1180-1450 97% 22.0% 12% 16:01 98.3% 1260-1460 93% 29.6% 23% 16:01 92.7% 28-32 65% 36.6% 19% 14:01 94.8% 1200-1400 79% 27.6% 21% 19:01 99.9% 26-31 54% 63.3% 10% 17:01 93.0% 26-30 56% 54.6% 10% 17:01 96.1% 1090-1330 100% 45.7% 8% 17:01 94.0% 1110-1350 100% 44.0% 16% 12:01 90.6% 1100-1350 92% 59.2% 15% 17:01 95.1% 1090-1300 41% 54.2% 16% 21:01 97.5% 1170-1360 77% 44.1% 14% 18:01 96.5% 1130-1380 72% 46.8% 13% 19:01 87.5% 26-30 54% 64.0% 14% 18:01 87.8% 1190-1410 71% 46.8% 10% 14:01 88.7% 1170-1340 52% 56.1% 12% 18:01 93.8% 1140-1330 48% 56.1% 12% 18:01 96.8% 1150-1340 54% 57.9% 25% 14:01 95.7% 1060-1300 41% 61.3% 20% 22:01 93.6% 1080-1310 60% 67.1% 23% 18:01 86.0% 25-30 44% 49.5% 11% 14:01 82.4% 1080-1310 41% 60.9% 9% 18:01 94.4% 1050-1280 34% 74.4% 15% 16:01 94.6% 23-28 27% 70.6% 13% 18:01 95.3% 24-30 32% 77.2% 21% 18:01 93.6% 22-28 26% 82.5% 15% 18:01 97.0% 1130-1300 49% 49.6% 13%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2013 Peer ings Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers National Universities Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index Graduation & Retention Faculty Resources Selectivity Financial Resources University of Tennesse - Knoxville 101 46 47 3.1 3.6 65 139 115 78 53 132 University of California -Berkeley 21 1 79 4.7 4.6 93 19 28 14 37 114 University of California - Los Angeles 24 2 77 4.2 4.5 86 24 35 25 22 107 University of Virginia 24 2 77 4.3 4.5 87 13 38 26 53 37 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 29 4 74 4.4 4.4 88 24 66 24 39 61 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 30 5 73 4.2 4.4 85 30 70 35 32 40 University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 46 13 62 3.9 4.1 79 38 76 59 67 102 University of Wisconsin - Madison 41 10 64 4.1 4.2 83 42 87 54 53 132 University of California - Davis 38 8 65 3.8 4.0 77 45 76 35 30 158 University of California - Santa Barbara 41 10 64 3.5 3.8 72 48 29 35 70 80 University of Washington - Seattle 46 13 62 3.8 4.0 77 51 150 42 31 85 Pennsylvania State University 46 13 62 3.7 4.1 77 36 106 87 59 71 University of Florida 54 17 60 3.6 3.8 73 38 115 47 46 85 University of Texas - Austin 46 13 62 4.1 4.2 83 51 115 47 80 93 The Ohio State University 56 18 59 3.7 4.1 77 69 125 59 72 80 University of Maryland - College Park 58 19 58 3.7 4.0 76 42 150 52 84 146 University of Pittsburgh 58 19 58 3.4 3.9 71 63 125 63 37 107 University of Georgia 63 21 57 3.5 3.9 73 45 70 69 119 93 Clemson University 68 25 55 3.1 3.9 67 63 76 69 126 26 Purdue University 65 23 56 3.7 4.1 77 95 62 98 84 43 Texas A&M - College Station 65 23 56 3.6 4.0 75 51 177 91 80 35 University of Minnesota 68 25 55 3.6 3.9 74 93 150 59 42 114 Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 68 25 55 3.4 3.9 71 69 66 105 84 150 Indiana University 83 36 51 3.6 3.9 74 85 162 101 160 71 Michigan State University 72 28 54 3.5 3.9 73 69 166 110 92 102 Auburn University 89 37 50 3.2 3.7 67 113 143 75 132 19 Iowa State University 101 46 47 3.2 3.8 68 98 138 132 132 71 North Carolina State University - Raleigh 106 51 46 3.1 3.7 66 85 206 91 106 119 Alumni Giving
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2013 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Predicted 6-Year Graduation Rate Actual 6-Year Graduation Rate Over(+)/Under(-) Performance Average Freshmen Retention Rate Classes Under 20 Classes of 50 or More University of Tennesse - Knoxville 46 47 3.1 3.6 67.0% 63.0% -4% 85% 33.1% 8.0% University of California -Berkeley 1 79 4.7 4.6 90.0% 90.0% 0% 97% 64.2% 14.0% University of California - Los Angeles 2 77 4.2 4.5 87.0% 90.0% 3% 97% 50.9% 22.0% University of Virginia 2 77 4.3 4.5 90.0% 94.0% 4% 97% 52.9% 15.0% University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 4 74 4.4 4.4 89.0% 90.0% 1% 96% 48.0% 17.0% University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 5 73 4.2 4.4 85.0% 90.0% 5% 97% 32.9% 13.0% University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 13 62 3.9 4.1 78.0% 82.0% 4% 94% 34.0% 20.0% University of Wisconsin - Madison 10 64 4.1 4.2 80.0% 83.0% 3% 94% 43.9% 20.0% University of California - Davis 8 65 3.8 4.0 80.0% 86.0% 6% 92% 32.6% 25.0% University of California - Santa Barbara 10 64 3.5 3.8 83.0% 86.0% 3% 91% 46.8% 19.0% University of Washington - Seattle 13 62 3.8 4.0 80.0% 80.0% 0% 93% 34.3% 21.0% Pennsylvania State University 13 62 3.7 4.1 70.0% 87.0% 17% 92% 38.3% 15.0% University of Florida 17 60 3.6 3.8 85.0% 84.0% -1% 96% 45.0% 17.0% University of Texas - Austin 13 62 4.1 4.2 80.0% 81.0% 1% 92% 33.4% 26.0% The Ohio State University 18 59 3.7 4.1 69.0% 80.0% 11% 93% 30.7% 21.0% University of Maryland - College Park 19 58 3.7 4.0 82.0% 82.0% 0% 94% 34.7% 16.0% University of Pittsburgh 19 58 3.4 3.9 72.0% 79.0% 7% 92% 40.3% 20.0% University of Georgia 21 57 3.5 3.9 77.0% 83.0% 6% 94% 38.6% 11.0% Clemson University 25 55 3.1 3.9 75.0% 80.0% 5% 91% 51.6% 14.0% Purdue University 23 56 3.7 4.1 66.0% 68.0% 2% 88% 36.9% 18.0% Texas A&M - College Station 23 56 3.6 4.0 74.0% 80.0% 6% 92% 19.0% 25.0% University of Minnesota 25 55 3.6 3.9 68.0% 70.0% 2% 89% 40.7% 19.0% Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 25 55 3.4 3.9 69.0% 77.0% 8% 92% 38.7% 20.0% Indiana University 36 51 3.6 3.9 63.0% 72.0% 9% 90% 34.3% 18.0% Michigan State University 28 54 3.5 3.9 63.0% 77.0% 14% 91% 23.6% 21.0% Auburn University 37 50 3.2 3.7 65.0% 66.0% 1% 87% 25.9% 17.0% Iowa State University 46 47 3.2 3.8 62.0% 68.0% 6% 86% 30.4% 21.0% North Carolina State University - Raleigh 51 46 3.1 3.7 70.0% 72.0% 2% 91% 21.0% 23.0%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2013 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Student/Faculty Ratio Percentage of Full-Time Faculty ACT 25th-75th Percentile Freshmen in Top 10% of Class Acceptance Rate Average Alumni Giving Rate University of Tennesse - Knoxville University of California -Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of Virginia University of Michigan - Ann Arbor University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign University of Wisconsin - Madison University of California - Davis University of California - Santa Barbara University of Washington - Seattle Pennsylvania State University University of Florida University of Texas - Austin The Ohio State University University of Maryland - College Park University of Pittsburgh University of Georgia Clemson University Purdue University Texas A&M - College Station University of Minnesota Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey Indiana University Michigan State University Auburn University Iowa State University North Carolina State University - Raleigh 15:01 94.7% 24-29 44% 69.7% 11% 17:01 89.4% 1250-1490 98% 21.6% 12% 17:01 91.4% 1180-1440 97% 25.5% 13% 16:01 98.3% 1240-1460 91% 33.0% 22% 16:01 92.8% 28-32 95% 40.6% 17% 14:01 97.3% 1200-1400 79% 31.4% 22% 18:01 100.0% 26-31 52% 67.6% 13% 17:01 93.3% 26-30 58% 50.5% 10% 16:01 95.7% 1090-1340 100% 46.0% 8% 17:01 94.0% 1120-1360 96% 45.7% 15% 13:01 91.5% 1080-1350 92% 58.4% 13% 17:01 94.9% 1090-1300 45% 52.4% 16% 21:01 97.8% 1160-1360 78% 43.2% 15% 18:01 96.7% 1120-1380 73% 46.6% 14% 19:01 88.2% 26-30 55% 63.4% 15% 18:01 88.4% 1190-1400 70% 44.7% 10% 14:01 89.2% 1170-1380 54% 57.9% 12% 18:01 93.2% 1120-1310 47% 63.0% 14% 18:01 96.5% 1140-1330 49% 63.3% 27% 14:01 95.8% 1040-1300 39% 68.3% 21% 21:01 94.0% 1100-1300 55% 63.5% 23% 21:01 86.8% 25-30 45% 46.6% 12% 15:01 83.8% 1080-1310 37% 61.1% 9% 19:01 94.3% 1050-1280 37% 72.3% 16% 16:01 94.9% 23-28 28% 72.9% 13% 18:01 95.1% 24-30 45% 70.0% 30% 18:01 93.8% 22-28 25% 86.3% 16% 18:01 97.0% 1090-1280 43% 52.0% 11%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2012 Peer ings Comparison Top 25 Peers National Universities Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index Graduation & Retention Faculty Resources Selectivity Financial Resources Alumni Giving University of Tennesse - Knoxville 101 46 47 3.2 3.7 67 138 131 94 60 131 University of California -Berkeley 21 1 79 4.7 4.5 93 24 30 15 36 111 University of California - Los Angeles 25 2 76 4.2 4.2 84 24 36 20 23 104 University of Virginia 25 2 76 4.3 4.4 87 12 41 26 60 40 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 28 4 75 4.5 4.3 89 27 59 27 36 79 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 29 5 74 4.2 4.4 85 32 59 37 29 35 University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 45 13 63 3.9 4.0 79 38 85 56 60 104 University of Wisconsin - Madison 42 10 64 4.1 4.0 81 41 72 53 49 123 University of California - Davis 38 9 65 3.7 3.9 75 47 72 34 29 151 University of California - Santa Barbara 42 10 64 3.5 3.8 72 47 33 37 72 79 University of Washington - Seattle 42 10 64 3.9 4.1 79 56 125 46 29 79 Pennsylvania State University 45 13 63 3.8 3.9 77 36 101 88 60 43 University of Florida 58 19 58 3.2 3.7 67 38 135 46 49 84 University of Texas - Austin 45 13 63 4.1 4.1 82 51 109 50 79 95 The Ohio State University 55 17 59 3.8 3.9 77 71 116 62 69 84 University of Maryland - College Park 55 17 59 3.7 3.9 75 44 144 50 86 140 University of Pittsburgh 58 19 58 3.5 3.7 71 66 109 64 36 104 University of Georgia 62 23 57 3.5 3.7 71 47 72 63 122 95 Clemson University 68 25 56 3.1 3.8 67 66 80 66 114 25 Purdue University 62 23 57 3.8 4.0 77 96 59 100 86 46 Texas A&M - College Station 58 19 58 3.6 3.9 74 56 149 75 79 44 University of Minnesota 68 25 56 3.7 3.8 75 98 135 64 42 104 Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 68 25 56 3.4 3.9 71 69 59 88 77 140 Indiana University 75 31 53 3.6 3.7 73 82 149 94 154 71 Michigan State University 71 28 54 3.5 3.6 71 69 163 110 90 95 Auburn University 82 36 52 3.2 3.8 68 117 135 73 133 20 Iowa State University 97 44 48 3.2 3.6 67 98 125 116 122 84 North Carolina State University - Raleigh 101 46 47 3.1 3.6 65 87 174 88 90 131
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2012 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Schools Overall Peer Assessment High School Counselor Predicted 6-Year Graduation Rate Actual 6-Year Graduation Rate Over(+)/Under(-) Performance Average Freshmen Retention Rate Classes Under 20 Classes of 50 or More University of Tennesse - Knoxville 46 47 3.2 3.7 63.0% 60.0% -3% 85% 31.5% 8.0% University of California -Berkeley 1 79 4.7 4.5 88.0% 91.0% 3% 97% 62.0% 15.0% University of California - Los Angeles 2 76 4.2 4.2 86.0% 90.0% 4% 97% 51.6% 22.0% University of Virginia 2 76 4.3 4.4 88.0% 93.0% 5% 97% 51.9% 16.0% University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 4 75 4.5 4.3 87.0% 90.0% 3% 96% 47.8% 16.0% University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 5 74 4.2 4.4 85.0% 90.0% 5% 97% 36.7% 13.0% University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 13 63 3.9 4.0 80.0% 84.0% 4% 94% 34.0% 21.0% University of Wisconsin - Madison 10 64 4.1 4.0 82.0% 84.0% 2% 94% 45.0% 19.0% University of California - Davis 9 65 3.7 3.9 79.0% 84.0% 5% 91% 36.1% 24.0% University of California - Santa Barbara 10 64 3.5 3.8 81.0% 85.0% 4% 91% 45.0% 20.0% University of Washington - Seattle 10 64 3.9 4.1 75.0% 80.0% 5% 93% 32.6% 21.0% Pennsylvania State University 13 63 3.8 3.9 71.0% 85.0% 14% 93% 39.2% 15.0% University of Florida 19 58 3.2 3.7 82.0% 84.0% 2% 96% 40.7% 16.0% University of Texas - Austin 13 63 4.1 4.1 80.0% 81.0% 1% 92% 34.3% 25.0% The Ohio State University 17 59 3.8 3.9 70.0% 78.0% 8% 93% 31.5% 20.0% University of Maryland - College Park 17 59 3.7 3.9 80.0% 81.0% 1% 94% 35.2% 16.0% University of Pittsburgh 19 58 3.5 3.7 77.0% 78.0% 1% 92% 42.0% 18.0% University of Georgia 23 57 3.5 3.7 78.0% 82.0% 4% 94% 35.4% 12.0% Clemson University 25 56 3.1 3.8 72.0% 76.0% 4% 91% 50.8% 13.0% Purdue University 23 57 3.8 4.0 65.0% 69.0% 4% 87% 36.8% 17.0% Texas A&M - College Station 19 58 3.6 3.9 73.0% 79.0% 6% 92% 20.5% 23.0% University of Minnesota 25 56 3.7 3.8 68.0% 70.0% 2% 89% 38.1% 19.0% Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 25 56 3.4 3.9 74.0% 77.0% 3% 91% 40.7% 20.0% Indiana University 31 53 3.6 3.7 61.0% 71.0% 10% 90% 33.8% 18.0% Michigan State University 28 54 3.5 3.6 62.0% 77.0% 15% 91% 23.1% 21.0% Auburn University 36 52 3.2 3.8 62.0% 66.0% 4% 87% 24.1% 17.0% Iowa State University 44 48 3.2 3.6 64.0% 70.0% 6% 85% 30.3% 20.0% North Carolina State University - Raleigh 46 47 3.1 3.6 74.0% 71.0% -3% 90% 30.2% 20.0%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2012 Peer Categories Comparison UTK Top 25 Peers Student/Faculty Ratio Percentage of Full-Time Faculty ACT 25th-75th Percentile Freshmen in Top 10% of Class Acceptance Rate Average Alumni Giving Rate University of Tennesse - Knoxville University of California -Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of Virginia University of Michigan - Ann Arbor University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign University of Wisconsin - Madison University of California - Davis University of California - Santa Barbara University of Washington - Seattle Pennsylvania State University University of Florida University of Texas - Austin The Ohio State University University of Maryland - College Park University of Pittsburgh University of Georgia Clemson University Purdue University Texas A&M - College Station University of Minnesota Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey Indiana University Michigan State University Auburn University Iowa State University North Carolina State University - Raleigh 15:01 94.1% 24-29 34% 74.0% 11% 17:01 90.2% 1230-1490 98% 22.0% 12% 16:01 91.5% 1180-1440 97% 23.0% 13% 16:01 98.2% 1220-1450 90% 33.0% 22% 15:01 92.6% 27-331 92% 51.0% 15% 14:01 97.4% 1200-1410 78% 32.0% 22% 16:01 100.0% 26-31 56% 67.0% 13% 17:01 93.9% 26-30 56% 57.0% 11% 15:01 96.7% 1100-1340 100% 45.0% 9% 17:01 84.1% 1110-1340 96% 46.0% 15% 12:01 93.2% 1090-1340 85% 57.0% 15% 17:01 94.5% 1090-1300 46% 55.0% 21% 21:01 97.8% 1170-1360 74% 43.0% 15% 18:01 96.9% 1110-1370 76% 47.0% 14% 19:01 88.8% 26-30 54% 68.0% 15% 18:01 87.8% 1190-1390 71% 44.0% 10% 14:01 88.6% 1170-1370 51% 58.0% 13% 19:01 93.8% 1120-1330 53% 59.0% 14% 16:01 95.9% 1140-1330 51% 58.0% 28% 14:01 95.8% 1040-1290 37% 68.0% 19% 19:01 94.3% 1130-1330 50% 69.0% 21% 21:01 86.6% 25-30 43% 48.0% 13% 15:01 85.6% 1080-1310 43% 59.0% 10% 19:01 94.5% 1060-1280 38% 69.0% 16% 16:01 95.0% 23-28 29% 70.0% 14% 18:01 95.7% 24-30 46% 79.0% 31% 17:01 93.7% 22-28 29% 81.0% 15% 18:01 96.9% 1090-1280 42% 54.0% 11%
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2011 Peer ings Comparison Top 25 Peers National Universities Schools Overall Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index Graduation & Retention Faculty Resources Selectivity Financial Resources Alumni Giving University of Tennesse - Knoxville 104 47 41 66 137 132 86 59 135 University of California -Berkeley 22 1 76 93 23 33 13 43 112 University of California - Los Angeles 25 2 73 85 23 41 20 23 106 University of Virginia 25 2 73 86 10 37 27 64 37 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 29 4 71 88 27 70 26 36 77 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill 30 5 70 84 32 47 34 30 37 University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign 47 15 58 78 38 78 54 59 106 University of Wisconsin - Madison 45 13 59 81 46 78 53 52 119 University of California - Davis 39 9 61 79 49 78 35 32 147 University of California - Santa Barbara 39 9 61 73 42 33 37 78 71 University of Washington - Seattle 41 11 60 78 59 124 47 30 71 Pennsylvania State University 47 15 58 77 36 161 74 64 37 University of Florida 53 17 55 73 39 173 41 49 77 University of Texas - Austin 45 13 59 83 52 96 44 82 92 The Ohio State University 56 18 53 75 73 112 67 64 92 University of Maryland - College Park 56 18 53 73 42 138 47 89 156 University of Pittsburgh 64 23 51 70 68 124 63 36 98 University of Georgia 56 18 53 71 52 74 56 115 102 Clemson University 64 23 51 69 63 102 74 98 25 Purdue University 56 18 53 77 92 64 106 89 45 Texas A&M - College Station 63 22 52 73 52 149 74 78 67 University of Minnesota 64 23 51 76 108 124 63 36 98 Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey 64 23 51 71 71 58 86 75 112 Indiana University 75 32 48 73 81 183 102 151 71 Michigan State University 79 34 47 70 68 116 112 98 87 Auburn University 85 38 46 67 114 138 86 133 18 Iowa State University 94 41 43 68 102 124 123 118 77 North Carolina State University - Raleigh 111 52 40 66 87 177 95 85 135
USNWR Best Colleges ings 2014 SEC Schools Comparison SEC Comparison UTK Ole Miss Miss State Arkansas Kentucky South Carolina Missouri Auburn Alabama Texas A&M UGA Florida Vanderbilt LSU National 101 150 142 128 119 112 97 91 86 69 60 49 17 135 School 47 79 73 63 58 55 44 40 36 25 20 40 N/A 68 Overall 48 38 39 42 44 46 49 50 51 56 59 62 84 41 Graduation and Retention 142 149 149 149 154 95 101 108 118 59 45 36 18 142 Faculty Resource 85 131 201 131 150 164 102 121 68 189 68 102 13 140 Student Selectivity 70 146 137 103 94 94 103 87 85 103 68 46 9 124 Financial Resources 55 226 144 152 55 174 168 130 186 90 119 46 15 130 Alumni Giving 129 84 65 21 71 50 62 39 11 30 112 84 33 122 Peer Assessment (Out of 5) 3.1 2.7 2.3 2.8 2.9 2.9 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.6 3.5 3.6 4.1 2.8 High School Counselor (Out of 5) 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.9 3.7 4 3.9 3.8 4.7 3.6 Predicted 6 year Graduation Rate 72% 56% 45% 67% 63% 67% 67% 66% 65% 73% 76% 82% 92% 67% Actual 6 Year Graduation Rate 66% 58% 60% 60% 58% 72% 71% 68% 67% 80% 82% 85% 92% 67% Over/Under Performance -6% 2% 15% -7% -5% 5% 4% 2% 2% 7% 6% 3% 0% 0% Average Freshman Retention Rate 85% 82% 82% 83% 81% 87% 85% 88% 85% 92% 94% 96% 96% 84% % of Classes Under 20 39% 47% 38% 36% 34% 36% 46% 30% 43% 18% 39% 49% 63% 36% % of Classes of 50 or More 7% 14% 12% 17% 13% 15% 15% 15% 18% 26% 11% 17% 9% 20% Student-Faculty Ratio 17 19 19 19 18 17 20 18 20 22 18 21 8 23 % of Full Time Faculty 94% 97% 96% 97% 93% 87% 97% 95% 89% 94% 94% 98% 92% 96% ACT Low/High 24-29 21-27 20-27 23-28 23-28 24-29* 23-28 24-30 22-30 23-29* 25-30* 25-31 32-34 23-28 Freshman in Top 10% of HS Class 50% 17% 27% 27% 33% 30% 26% 32% 43% 60% 48% 77% 90% 24% Acceptance Rate 67% 61% 69% 64% 67% 61% 82% 77% 53% 67% 56% 44% 14% 76% Average Alumni Giving Rate 10% 14% 16% 28% 15% 18% 16% 21% 35% 23% 12% 14% 23% 11% *Converted from SAT s
USNWR Best Colleges ings Institutions Tied with UTK at National ing = 101 Graduation & Retention Graduation Over(+) / Under(-) Performance Average Freshmen Retention Rate Actual 6- Year Graduation Rate Faculty Resources Selectivity Financial Resources 2014 ings Iowa State University 95 5 86% 71% 131 124 137 71 Loyola University 101-86% 70% 102 87 130 112 NC State University 87-91% 71% 174 77 102 98 St. Louis University 91-3 86% 70% 114 77 82 105 University of Kansas 146-3 79% 64% 79 124 82 62 University of Nebraska 132-84% 65% 79 114 119 36 University of Oklahoma 123-2 84% 66% 140 103 78 50 University of Tennessee 142-6 85% 66% 85 70 55 129 2013 ings Iowa State University 98 6 86% 68% 138 132 132 71 Univ. of Calif.-Riverside 106 1 86% 70% 100 69 92 213 University of Nebraska 124 2 84% 67% 84 111 126 37 University of Oklahoma 132-2 83% 68% 115 101 79 52 University of Tennessee 139-4 85% 63% 115 78 53 132 2012 ings Florida State University 87-1 90% 74% 101 86 208 46 NC State University 87-3 90% 71% 174 88 90 131 University of Dayton (OH) 71 11 87% 76% 149 116 114 57 University of Kansas 145-79% 61% 80 126 97 53 University of Nebraska 126-84% 64% 85 110 131 35 Univ.of New Hampshire 78 13 88% 75% 135 169 133 151 University of Oklahoma 129-7 83% 64% 116 101 77 48 University of Oregon 104 8 84% 68% 135 164 176 111 University of Tennessee 138-3 85% 60% 131 94 60 131 Univ. of The Pacific (CA) 110-4 84% 69% 59 94 57 151 Alumni Giving
U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges ings Appendix B: Methodology
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ings: 2014 Methodology Criteria Weight Detail Notes Undergraduate academic reputation 22.5% Retention 22.5% Faculty resources 20.0% d using two criteria: Academic peer assessment, in which selected University presidents, provosts and dean of admissions are surveyed (66.7%); assessment by high school counselors from schools awarded gold, silver or bronze medals in USNWR's Best High Schools rankings (33.3%) d using two criteria: Six-year graduation rate (80%); freshman retention rate (20%) d using six criteria: Proportion of classes with fewer than 20 students (30%); proportion of classes with 50+ students (10%); faculty salary (35%); proportion of professors with highest attainable degrees in their fields (15%); student-faculty ratio (5%); proportion of faculty who are full-time (5%) High School Counselor ratings were added in 2012; a 2-year average is used Previously was 20% of Total Student selectivity 12.5% d using three criteria: ACT/SAT scores (65%); proportion of enrolled freshman who graduated in top 10% of their high school class or the top quarter of Regional Universities/Colleges (25%); acceptance rate (10%). Previously was 15% of Total, with class rank more and SAT/ACT less Financial resources 10.0% Per-student spending, excluding sports, dorms and hospitals. Graduation rate 7.5% Alumni giving 5.0% USNWR measures the difference between their predicted 6-year graduation rate and the actual graduation rate. Predicted graduation rate controls for spending and student characteristics such as test scores and the proportion of students receiving Pell Grants. Weighted average percentage of living alumni with bachelor's degrees who gave to their school over the past two academic years. Has always been based on most recent 6-year cohort