Pellissippi State Community College
Knoxville, TN, USA

Reviews

Pellissippi State Community College

Shannon from Maryville, TN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The classes are short and sweet. You attend for 55 min. just enough time for you to get what you need yo know, and be on your way. It's great.
Am enjoying being here
The people are mature, which is a definite plus. Much better than high school. Believe me.
Bang for the buck
Tuition for one year at ETSU, was $20,000. For one year! Pellissippi was only $800 full time. So much cheaper, but the classes are not.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to save money, and stay close to home for a while, I suggest you attend here. Why spend $25,000+ when you can spend $800?
Great for these types of students
No money, don't pile up debt so soon!

Nicolas from Knoxville, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers at Pellissippi at excellent teachers. They are always willing to help out. I have heard from many that Pellissippi's teachers are much better than those a UT.
Am enjoying being here
One of the things I enjoy the most about Pellissippi State is that they have a lot of things for you to do. There is a gym, a great library, and much more.
Bang for the buck
The thing I appreciate most about Pellissippi is how cheap it is compared to other colleges. It is a great idea to go to Pellissippi for you basic classes because it is so cheap.
Tips for prospective students
I know it sounds corny but Pellissippi truly deserves all five stars. It would be a great idea to come here.
Great for these types of students
Pellissippi is great for any student just starting college.

Gregory from Oak Ridge, TN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The instructors at PSTCC are very good at helping the motivated student learn. The advising is first rate. For those of us that are disabled, Student Services With Disabilities is unparalled.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful, but the ability to go to class in the middle of the night via the Internet is terrific.
Bang for the buck
By adding an extra class here and there, students are able to enhance their educational credentials with Institutional Certificates. By only adding 4 classes to my curriculum, I am earning 3! Tutors are available for almost every discipline. The Educational Resources Center (library) has a computer lab and laptops are available, as well as WiFi access almost everywhere on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Check out the online classes. For those of us who find it difficult to be somewhere at a specific time, online learning can't be beat!
Great for these types of students
Adult learners, disabled students, parents, working individuals, or anyone who hates having to get up to go to class! Also, for those wanting a traditional classroom setting, PSTCC is equipped with the latest in training equipment.

Emily from Lenoir City, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Pellissippi State is an excellent community college that has something for everyone. The academics are solid and there are many clubs and volunteer opportunities. It is a wonderful and supportive academic environment.
Tips for prospective students
Be on time and speak up when prompted - it makes you look good and it helps you learn better. You will be tempted many times to skip class. DON'T. You will regret it 90% of the time and it will come back to bite you. There have been a few classes where I would have gotten an entire letter grade higher if I hadn't skipped. There are times when you have to miss class for whatever reason and that's fine, but be there whenever you can. Also, take advantage of the resources at your disposal. The writing center and math lab are both particularly helpful. These are free, and so is tutoring, which is offered in most of the core subjects. The library is a great (quiet) place to study and has references for all kinds of topics. Another thing I would recommend is shopping around by taking a variety of different classes. This is especially helpful if you, like me, are not sure exactly what you want to major in - by trying out classes in all the different areas you're interested in, you can narrow down your options. So don't be afraid to take classes just for fun because you may end up finding your passion. Also, make use of the advisors! They can be invaluable in helping you pick out your classes. Lastly, I would recommend checking out Rate My Professor before picking a class. If you know who the professor is going to be, look them up and make sure they have decent ratings.
Academic Rigor
To be honest, I don't have much to compare this college to because it is the only one I've ever attended. However, I do believe that the academics are solid. Some professors are more laid-back than others and there are classes that are more challenging than others, but that is to be expected. I would guess that the academics are not as good as, say, a prominent four-year college, but I have been very satisfied with the level of learning, and the majority of my professors have been passionate and enthusiastic about their subject. I think something Pellissippi does very well is helping you improve in your writing. They have a writing center where you can go and have someone review your paper and help you improve. The Composition curriculum is also built to teach you to write critically about any subject, and it has helped me tremendously. I will say that at Pellissippi, and really anywhere else, you get out of it what you put into it. If you set your mind to it and put in the work, you can learn and improve as much as you want to because Pellissippi provides you with all the tools you need. The rest is really up to you.
Food and Dining
The food at Pelli is about what you'd expect. There are some things that are good and some that are not so good. I also think it is overpriced. Food from the grill is pretty good - especially the quesadillas! Some of their buffet food is also good. They always have some fresh fruit and salad in the fridge, as well as slices of cake. I would steer clear of the sandwiches. They have lots of snack foods - muffins, chips, granola bars, cereal, etc. They serve Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, water, milk, etc. There are two open microwaves in the cafeteria also. There are also lots of vending machines around campus with a variety of options. Close to campus there are many dining options. One of my favorites is a little place called Brown Bag. There is also McDonalds, Wendy's, Subway, Firehouse, Snappy Tomato, and Dunkin Donuts. Lovell Road and Turkey Creek are pretty close by and have lots more options if you have the time. I would recommend either packing your lunch or eating off-campus.
What to do for fun
Join one of the clubs on campus, or just go to one of the many events happening throughout the year - concerts, plays, tournaments, festivals, etc. Take one of the recreational classes like archery or learn to play guitar in a beginner's music class! There is also an amazing study abroad program that many students participate in called TnCIS.
Bang for the buck
I would say that Pellissippi is one of the best value colleges around. You get equal if not better academics and a wonderful learning environment for a portion of the cost of a four-year university.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I'm not sure if this counts, but the elevators are constantly breaking down. So it's kind of a running joke that you never know if you'll be able to use the elevator.
Great for these types of students
Pellissippi is great for many different kinds of students. It's great for anyone looking for an easier transition from high school to a four-year university. It's also great for adults looking to go back and get a degree. There are many adult students on campus. Pelli also has a famous video technology program, so if you're interested in that or in graphic design, this is a great place for you. I would also say that Pelli is good for anyone who wants to work while they pursue a degree.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many ways to get involved on campus that it can be kind of overwhelming at first. There's always a club day every year and the first time I went, I visited just about every table, and I wanted to join them all. Whether you're an outdoorsman, a minority, a science geek, a gamer, or a writer, there is something for you. The great thing about Pellissippi is that there are so many opportunities, but you never feel pressured to do anything you're not interested in. Basically, if you want to get involved in something, there is almost certainly a way for you to do it here, but if you don't, that's fine too.
Campus Safety
There are always officers around, usually patrolling the parking lots. There is also a campus safety hotline where you can text in or call at any time. You can also call and have an officer escort you to your car if you like. I always feel safe here.

Grayson from Knoxville, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Classes are smaller , and teacher-student ratio is 1 to 30 or less.
Students have access to technology that they will need to succeed in their career.
The faculty genuinely wants to help students succeed in their educational pursuits.
Tips for prospective students
Be cautious when registering for an on-line class. Teachers are helpful but the responsibility is ALL yours.
Don't always trust the advisors when going easy on your first year of college. It won't help in the long run (summer classes...)
Food and Dining
The food is okay but can be expensive for college students. I found it cheaper to drive to the nearby fast food restaurants. Beware of credit card charges!
What to do for fun
There is a recreational center: the Bubble.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is an Apple computer lab located in the Bagwell building.
Great for these types of students
Undecided about your major, just to take core classes
Campus Safety
There is always a security guard driving around the campus. Also, security guards are seen in buildings , most of the time. If you don't feel safe, you can call and security guards will escort you to your car. The school sends text alerts for weather, security, and school closings.

Kathleen from Maryville, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
Most instructors are very willing to assist you along the path, but students must demonstrate a willingness to learn and be accountable to their own education. Students must attend all classes, pay attention, and participate fully to successfully master the material.
Academic Rigor
While I have found the coursework in my classes to be demanding and difficult, I cannot speak to all classes at Pellissippi. As an older student, I had to devote a greater percentage of my time to studying and preparing for classes and tests, but my grades reflected the time and effort I put in.
Dorm Life
I lived at home with my husband and children and commuted daily to classes and group study sessions.
Food and Dining
Pellissippi has partnered with several area restaurants and chains and offer varied menu choices on different days. While not gourmet, the food is good and fresh, with several choices available daily.
What to do for fun
Being employed full time and enrolled in three or four classes each semester left very little time for fun, but I am sure there is fun to be found at school as well as within the communities surrounding the college.
Bang for the buck
The education at Pellissippi is top-notch, but the price tag is far less than other colleges/universities in the greater Knoxville area.
Clubs and Activities
Due to work, school, and my family obligations, I did not participate in extracurricular clubs/activities, but I know there are a wide variety of choices available to students.
Greek Life
While I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa! I have been unable to participate fully because of job, school, and family responsibilities. I do hope to be more involved in the future.
Campus Safety
While I am aware that campus crime is present on all college campuses, I personally have not witnesses nor been a victim of such crime at Pellissippi.

Joy from Maryville, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The tutors at the tutoring center are knowledgeable. The advisors give sound advice and are patient in finding the solutions to problems. The faculties have Master's degrees in the field that they teach and they employ interactive teaching methods that suits various learning styles.
Tips for prospective students
Study early on in the semester. Browse the master syllabi for information about your course. Go to the tutoring center.
Food and Dining
Various food vendors come to serve food.
What to do for fun
walk, sit in the sun, hike at the smokies, hang out with friends, theater, river
Bang for the buck
five stars!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During Spring Fling you can get free customized license plates:). Food/snacks for students during exam weeks and extende tutoring center hours and nutritious snacks specially during Finals Week.
Clubs and Activities
Many
Campus Safety
Very safe, security personnel are always patrolling the campus from opening hours to closing time.

Wayne from Powell, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Pellissippi is an oustanding college. I feel like I actually mean something here. In my opinion, every college should be like Pellissippi.
Tips for prospective students
Apply and attend Pellissippi! You will not regret it!
Academic Rigor
Academics are great here. The teachers know how to teach!!!
Dorm Life
No dorms.
Food and Dining
Food is pretty good. Way better than high school food.
What to do for fun
I train in Mixed Martial Arts.
Bang for the buck
Pellissippi is great and not that expensive!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Pellipalooza is great! So many things to do and so much food to eat
Great for these types of students
Any type of student can go here and of all ages.
Clubs and Activities
If you can think of a club they have it!
Campus Safety
Plenty of officers patrolling and they are actually nice!

Morgan from Knoxville, TN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very clean and beautiful campus. Professors show a genuine interest in helping you succeed. Faculty and advisors are extremely helpful and readily available.
Tips for prospective students
See an advisor!! They are very helpful and truly do want to help you! As far as classes, know that your teacher desire to see you succeed and are helpful, but you must put forth and effort and try your best.
Academic Rigor
Prepare to stay busy with homework and studying, but not to a point where it consumes your life. A happy medium. Tests, papers and assignments reflect course work well.
Dorm Life
No on-campus living.
Food and Dining
Although there is no on-campus living, there is a very nice cafeteria with lots of choices, good food, reasonable prices, and very friendly staff.
What to do for fun
Although it is a community college, there are often fun things going on. There are sometimes concerts or events on the quad during the week which makes class days a little more exciting. In the fall there is an annual hot air balloon festival.
Bang for the buck
This school has a VERY reasonable tuition and with my experience, I think it is worth every penny.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who like small classes and individual attention from professors. Good for both students who like to be involved in campus life and those who simply go to class then go home.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs and activities to choose from!
Greek Life
No greek life.
Campus Safety
Campus security is constantly patrolling and doing their job well. They are friendly and helpful and I feel very safe when on campus.