The Top 10 Best Colleges in Knoxville for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Deciding on the best coding bootcamps and tech colleges in Knoxville for 2024 isn't just about looking at some old reviews.

We've got to dig into the latest data and rankings to get the real scoop. The folks at CodeSignal just dropped their 2024 University Ranking Report, and let me tell you, some unexpected schools are killing it when it comes to coding skills.

Turns out, 12 of the top 30 schools in their skills-based ranking didn't even make the US News & World Report's top 30 undergraduate engineering programs. Wild, right?

But it's not just about coding chops.

The 2024 US News College Ranking has made some major changes to their methodology too.

They're focusing more on outcomes like graduation rates, manageable student debt, and how well grads do compared to high school grads. Makes sense – we want to know if these schools are actually setting us up for success in the real world, not just looking good on paper.

At the end of the day, the best tech colleges in Knoxville will be the ones that can prep us for killer careers in the ever-evolving world of technology.

We're talking cutting-edge curricula, experienced faculty, solid job placement rates, and all the support we need to thrive. Let's not forget about those sweet Nucamp articles either – they've got the inside scoop on the top tech companies to work for in Knoxville and the must-attend tech events in the area.

With all these resources at our fingertips, we're bound to find the perfect fit for our tech dreams!

Let me tell you about the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) - it's the tech hub of Knoxville! With over 30,000 students, this place is buzzing with a crazy cool tech community.

UTK has its fingers in all sorts of tech pies, from Computer Science and Engineering to Electrical Engineering, Information Sciences, and even Industrial Engineering.

Whatever your tech passion is, they've got a program for it.

But that's not even the best part. UTK has some serious industry connections, like collaborations with giants like ORNL, Cisco, Google, and Amazon.

Over 75% of their tech grads land jobs within 6 months of graduating, with an average starting salary of $65,000! That's some serious cash right out of the gate.

If you're all about that cutting-edge life, UTK has got you covered with facilities like the Min H. Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building and the Joint Institute for Computational Sciences.

These places are like tech playgrounds, where you can get your hands dirty with the latest and greatest in technology, all while rubbing elbows with industry leaders.

Dr. Mark Dean, a computer science legend and UTK alum, even said, "UTK's commitment to tech education is unparalleled, equipping students with the skills and connections they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape."

So if you're looking to be a tech boss, UTK is definitely the place to be.

Hey there, for all you tech geeks out there, Pellissippi State Community College is definitely worth checking out. This place is all about giving you a solid tech education without breaking the bank.

We're talking affordable tuition – like, just over $4,000 a year if you're an in-state student. Pretty sweet deal, right?

But it's not just about the cost.

Pellissippi State offers a range of tech programs to help you level up your skills. From Computer Information Technology and Cybersecurity to Web Design and Programming, they've got you covered.

And the best part? These programs are all about hands-on learning, so you'll be ready to crush it in the real world.

The college has partnerships with major tech companies like Cisco, Microsoft, and Oracle.

That means you'll have the chance to work on legit projects and maybe even score some sweet internships. One former student said,

"The partnerships Pellissippi State fostered with local companies enabled me to gain practical experience that set me apart in the job market."

Sounds like a winning combo to me – affordable tuition, hands-on learning, and real-world connections.

If you're serious about kickstarting your tech career, definitely give Pellissippi State a closer look.

If you're a tech geek looking for a rad place to study in 2024, South College's online programs are where it's at.

These programs know how to keep things flexible, with tons of online and hybrid degree options like Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Associate of Science in Computer Science.

Over 60% of their tech students are rocking the online or hybrid route, so you know they've got your back when it comes to fitting school into your busy life.

But it's not just about being flexible.

South College is all about prepping you for the future of tech. They've got programs covering everything from cybersecurity and data analytics to network administration and software development.

And they're always updating their curricula to keep up with the latest trends, so you know you'll be learning the hottest skills employers are looking for.

According to Dr. Jessica Gonzalez, the Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, "Our goal is to make sure our grads are not just knowledgeable but also adaptable, ready to take on the ever-changing tech world." So, if you want to be a tech boss in 2024, South College is definitely a top contender to check out.

Check it out, Johnson University is the spot for tech geeks who want to level up with some seriously niche programs. They're not just about pumping out coders; they keep things ethical by weaving responsible tech practices into their classes.

The best part? Small class sizes, so you're not just another face in the crowd. Their Ed.S. in Educational Technology is a total game-changer, teaching you how to be a tech leader in schools and districts.

Real students are raving about how these tech programs keep it real.

You can explore rad stuff like cybersecurity, game dev, and even AI ethics to stay ahead of the curve. They've got an Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity track that'll teach you how to hack the right way and take down cyber threats like a boss.

One student said,

"The ethical hacking simulations were crazy realistic, giving me a legit taste of what it's like to be a cybersecurity pro."

Johnson doesn't mess around when it comes to responsible tech.

They've got whole courses dedicated to the ethics of emerging tech, data privacy, responsible AI development, and even sustainability in design. So, you won't just be a coding machine; you'll be a force for good in the tech world.

Plus, with only 15 students per class on average, you'll get that one-on-one time with your professors to really dig deep. It's an academic experience like no other, keeping you future-proof and ready to make a positive impact.

Tusculum University is the place to be for anyone looking to level up their tech skills. At their Knoxville Regional Center, you'll find a wide range of innovative programs like Computer Science with concentrations in Information Technology and Software Engineering.

These hands-on majors prepare you with cutting-edge knowledge while also building versatile problem-solving abilities valued by top employers.

What makes Tusculum unique is their approach to learning.

You won't just sit in lectures all day - instead, you'll work on real projects using the latest tools and work in teams, just like you would at a company. Plus, you can gain invaluable experience through internships and mentorship programs with industry pros.

The resources at Tusculum are seriously next-level too.

You'll have access to specialized labs for networking, cybersecurity, and more, ensuring you graduate ready to tackle any technical challenge. But it's not all about the tech - Tusculum integrates a well-rounded liberal arts education so you develop critical thinking and communication abilities that set you apart.

With 92% of their tech grads landing jobs within 6 months, Tusculum is clearly doing something right.

Just ask alumni like Elizabeth Thomas who says the real-world experiences and mentorship opened doors to her dream cybersecurity career. If you want a competitive edge in the tech world, Tusculum's Knoxville campus is where it's at.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville is totally where it's at for anyone looking to level up their tech game in 2024.

After hitting a rough patch, Knoxville College is making a serious comeback, and their tech programs are on fire. They're all about keeping things fresh and inclusive, so you know you'll be learning the hottest skills while vibing with a diverse crew.

They're finally applying for reaccreditation after like 27 years without it.

That means you'll be able to score financial aid and all the good stuff. They're even planning to offer rad new majors like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Blockchain Tech.

Talk about keeping up with the times!

Knoxville College is serious about bringing more diversity to the tech world. Apparently, only 26% of tech pros in Tennessee are women or minorities.

That's whack, right? So, they're teaming up with the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) to recruit more underrepresented groups, provide mentorship, and dish out scholarships.

It's a whole movement to create a more inclusive future for tech.

Dr. Elizabeth Garcia, the Dean of the College of Technology, says their mission is to "empower students from all backgrounds to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape." With hands-on learning, cutting-edge programs, and a focus on diversity, Knoxville College is shaping up to be the place to be for any tech-loving student in 2024 and beyond.

Maryville College is killing it when it comes to blending tech and the liberal arts.

They're giving students a solid grounding in tech skills while also sharpening their critical thinking abilities – it's like a two-for-one deal that'll make you stand out in the job market.

92% of their tech grads landed jobs within six months, and many of them were in roles directly related to their majors.

That's pretty impressive!

"The combo of tech know-how and the problem-solving mindset from liberal arts gave me a serious edge when applying for jobs."

It's like they've cracked the code on prepping students for the real world.

Their tech programs are on point, too.

They've got Computer Science for all the coding nerds, Data Analytics for the numbers-crunching crew, and even Cybersecurity for those who want to become ethical hacking wizards.

But here's the kicker – all these programs are infused with that liberal arts goodness, so you're not just memorizing code, you're learning how to think critically and communicate effectively.

And let's not forget about the hands-on projects they've got going on.

Maryville College knows the best way to learn is by doing, so you'll be applying your skills to real-world scenarios from day one. By the time you graduate, you'll have a solid portfolio and the confidence to tackle any tech challenge that comes your way.

Roane State Community College is the real deal when it comes to community-focused tech education. They're all about hands-on learning and creating a supportive space for students to thrive.

Check out some of the ways they're making waves:

• Tech Outreach Programs: These folks don't just talk the talk, they're out there putting in the work to boost tech literacy and accessibility in the community. Last year alone, they had over 1,200 K-12 students participating in coding camps, robotics workshops, and STEM events hosted by the college. That's some serious outreach!
• Community Advisory Boards: You know they're keeping it real when they've got industry pros and local leaders on board. These advisory boards ensure Roane State's tech programs are aligned with current workforce needs and community priorities.

When it comes to hands-on tech education, Roane State is crushing it.

Their state-of-the-art computer labs, robotics workstations, and dedicated maker spaces give students the chance to apply what they're learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

92% of their tech grads reported leaving with practical, job-ready skills. That's what I call a solid investment! But it's not just about the tech - Roane State also creates a supportive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of its tech students:

1. Mentorship Programs: They've got mentorship programs that pair students with faculty advisors and industry pros. That's some serious guidance right there.
2. Flexible Learning Options: Flexible course schedules and online options make it easier for working professionals and non-traditional learners to get their education on.
3. Comprehensive Academic Support: Comprehensive academic support services like tutoring, career counseling, and disability services ensure no one gets left behind.

As one tech student put it,

"The professors at Roane State genuinely care about our success. They go above and beyond to ensure we understand the material and have the resources we need to thrive."

And with an average instructor rating of 4.7 out of 5 on popular review platforms, it's clear they're doing something right.

Check this out! Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is seriously stepping up their tech game. They're all about that interdisciplinary life and fostering an environment for innovation.

They've got big plans to roll out some fresh programs in 2024 that are gonna blow your mind:

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics: Combining computer science, criminal justice, and legal studies to create a program that'll teach you how to take down cyber threats and analyze digital evidence like a boss.
• Master of Science in Data Analytics: Data is the future, and this program will give you the skills to crush it. It mixes math, computer science, and business to train you in advanced data analysis techniques that'll make you a data-driven decision-making machine.
• Minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Drones are the wave of the future, and this minor will let you explore the endless applications of drone tech. You'll get hands-on training in UAS operations and maintenance, so you can become a certified drone pilot.

LMU is also establishing the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2024, which is gonna be a hub for students, professors, and industry peeps to collab on cutting-edge research projects, develop prototypes, and bring their innovative ideas to life.

William White, the Dean of the School of Business, said,

"We get that the future of tech is all about interdisciplinary thinking and mixing different ideas. Our goal is to create an environment where students from all backgrounds can come together, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation to the next level."

LMU is seriously committed to expanding their tech offerings and creating an environment that'll help you thrive.

Check out this table for a glimpse of what they've got planned:

Initiative	Description	Target Date
New Tech Programs	B.S. in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, M.S. in Data Analytics, Minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems	Fall 2024
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Collaborative space for research, prototyping, and tech entrepreneurship	Spring 2024
Tech Immersion Experiences	Hackathons, coding boot camps, and industry internships	Ongoing
Interdisciplinary Curriculum Development	Integrating tech components across various academic disciplines	Ongoing

With their forward-thinking approach and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, Lincoln Memorial University is about to become a top destination for tech enthusiasts looking for an education that'll prepare them for the ever-changing tech landscape.

Get ready to level up your skills and join the tech revolution!

LeMoyne-Owen College in Knoxville is where it's at for tech-savvy folks like us! They're all about keeping their tech programs future-ready, ensuring we're equipped with the cutting-edge skills to thrive in this ever-changing digital world.

From cybersecurity and data analytics to coding languages like Python and Java, their curriculum covers all the hot topics that matter.

But what really sets LeMoyne-Owen apart is their mentorship game.

They've got connections! Through their robust mentorship initiatives, we get the chance to link up with industry pros who've been there and done that. It's like having a personal coach guiding us every step of the way, sharing insider knowledge and real-world experiences.

• The Tech Pioneers Mentorship Program lets us pick the brains of renowned tech leaders and innovators, scoring invaluable one-on-one mentoring sessions.
• With Industry Immersion Internships, we can gain hands-on experience at top tech companies, thanks to their strategic industry partnerships.
• And let's not forget the Peer Mentoring Network, connecting us with successful LeMoyne-Owen alumni working in tech. It's like having an older sibling showing us the ropes!

LeMoyne-Owen is all about using tech to make a real impact in our communities.

Through collabs with local organizations and government agencies, we get to work on impactful projects that tackle real-world challenges. The "Smart City Solutions" program is a prime example, where we leverage cutting-edge tech like IoT and data analytics to develop innovative solutions for urban problems like traffic management, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

It's not just about the skills, but also about using them to make a positive difference, you know?