The 2006 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2006 ranks TSU among the top 50 Midwestern Comprehensive Colleges. In addition, U.S. News also recognizes TSU among colleges whose students graduate with the least amount of debt.

The Foundry Educational Foundation, in its periodic review of college programs, ranked TSU as the nation's best undergraduate program in cast metals. The FEF cited TSU's curriculum, classrooms, labs, faculty, student involvement, and administration support, as well as support from alumni and industry. Cast metals is a part of the Allen School of Engineering & Technology's Dr. Forrest V. Wade Department of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering.