Three Shelby County schools landed in a top 20 ranking of the best colleges in Tennessee.
The 2027 college rankings published by Niche, an online platform
that rates and profiles colleges in the United States, placed Rhodes College, the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University in their top 20 Tennessee colleges. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S.Rhodes College was ranked the #3 college in Tennessee, behind Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Niche gave Rhodes an overall A- grade, with high marks for academics, diversity, student wellness and future readiness. Rhodes scored a C+ for location and safety.
University of Memphis landed a spot at #5 in Tennessee
and an overall A- grade. The school was recognized for its diversity and campus food, also receiving a C+ for safety. U of M also scored well on value, athletics, professors and student life.
Christian Brothers University ranked #20 in Tennessee with an overall B grade. The school received an A for diversity and an A- for value, but scored lower for its campus, location, student life and food.
The ranking is based on an analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as millions of reviews from students and alumni, according to Niche.
TVA supports new STEM center in Orange Mound
The Tennessee Valley Authority celebrated the opening of a new STEM center in Orange Mound, which aims to expose students in the community to science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.
The newest Cal Ripken Sr. STEM Center opened at RedZone Ministries in Orange Mound with a Sept. 10 ribbon-cutting.
"For far too long communities like Orange Mound have been on the wrong side of the digital divide," said Memphis City Council Chairwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington at the opening event. "That's why TVA's commitment is so important."
TVA and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation have helped establish more than 40 STEM centers across the region, including several in Memphis. The organization aims to provide students in underserved and rural communities with hands-on tools and early exposure to STEM education.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federally owned utility company that supplies power to 10 million people in the southeastern United States, including those in the Memphis area.
On the second floor of the ministry at 2855 Park Ave., space was cleared for STEM center equipment, including several cases of Sphero BOLT's, robot toys that are used to teach kids about coding.
"What we're hoping is this is just another arrow in our quiver that will allow us to attract kids and engage them," said RedZone founder and CEO Howard Eddings. "Everybody don't game; everybody's not wanting to go to the park and hoop; some of them may want to do this."
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation will develop the program's curriculum and train RedZone personnel to employ it, Eddings said. The program will include 28 spots, and organizers are still working out how long it will take for a student to complete the program.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: See which Memphis colleges ranked in Tennessee's top 20
