Tennessee Universities Get Mixed Review

Tennessee’s colleges and universities have received a mixed review in a new national report. The state-by-state “Leaders & Laggards” study, prepared by a division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, gives Tennessee a failing grade in one area because of burdensome state regulations for accreditation. 

And four year universities received a D-grade for student access and success. However, the report says Tennessee leads the country in policies that promote funding based on outcomes. It also touts a common course numbering system which allows students to transfer credits from one campus to another. The state is also doing well in getting students enrolled in college, with a high percentage receiving Pell Grants, but not so well in keeping them there with a low retention numbers.