East Tennessee State University ranked No. 71 among Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best-in-State Employers, placing ETSU in the top 100 midsize employers nationwide.
In a competitive national job market marked by shrinking applicant pools, external validation matters – especially when it comes from employees themselves.
East Tennessee State University earned that endorsement again in 2026, landing among Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best-in-State Employers and reinforcing the university’s standing as a top-tier workplace.
In the latest Forbes rankings, ETSU placed No. 71 out of more than 500 midsize employers nationwide, positioning the university firmly within the top 100 midsize employers in the country. The recognition highlights organizations that stand out for workplace culture, opportunity and employee satisfaction.
The rankings are based primarily on anonymous employee surveys measuring workplace satisfaction, willingness to recommend employers and perceptions of opportunity and culture.
The ranking comes at a time when attracting and retaining talent has become increasingly challenging across the U.S. Forbes reported that the number of job applicants per open role has doubled since 2022. Recruiters, meanwhile, report growing difficulty finding qualified candidates.
Against that backdrop, ETSU’s placement reflects sustained confidence from its workforce and a workplace culture that continues to resonate.
In 2025, ETSU was named to the Great Colleges to Work For® Honor Roll, a distinction awarded to only 42 colleges nationwide each year.
In that report, ETSU captured honors in five categories, up from three in 2024:
- Job satisfaction and support
- Professional development
- Mission and pride
- Faculty and staff well-being
- Shared governance
“This recognition as one of the best colleges to work for, along with our inclusion on the Great Colleges Honor Roll, affirms the hard work and commitment of our entire university community,” said Dr. Brian Noland, president of ETSU. “Our efforts aim to ensure that ETSU remains a place where everyone is supported, valued and empowered to contribute to the success of our students and our community.”
For a university that serves as the Flagship of Appalachia, workplace recognition carries added weight. ETSU's role as a leading employer in the region extends beyond campus, reflecting the university's commitment to being an anchor institution that attracts and retains talent, strengthens the local economy and models the kind of workplace culture that helps communities thrive.
