Texas Tech University has the best work environment in the United States, according to a survey of academic employees conducted by Glassdoor.com. In its third annual report, the company arrived at the ratings based on employee feedback over the past year.

"The people there are very laid back. The campus is beautiful. The pay is competitive with other universities. You are free to do your own thing, just be ready at the deadline." - a Texas Tech Instructor (Lubbock, TX) said.

Texas University is followed by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), which has been named the second best institution to work for in the country, up from No.5 in the 2012 report

CMU received an employer rating of 4.3, which is .1 less than Texas' 4.4 out of a possible 5.0. The university employees rated their working conditions as 'very satisfied.' One of the respondents was extremely happy with the university's working culture, talented staff, professional development opportunities and attractive campus.

"Strong work/life balance, staff is engaged and in and proud of the CMU environment and reputation, ability to attract talented staff, strong focus professional development, nice campus." - Carnegie Mellon University IT Manager (Pittsburgh, PA)said.

In general the universities across the country seem to have good employee retaining policies as seven universities tied along with CMU for the second position. Brigham Young University (last year's No.1 University), the University of Texas-Austin, Iowa State University, University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Florida State University - all of them scored 4.3.

The 2013 ratings were based on a 5-point scale: 1.0=very dissatisfied, 3.0=OK, 5.0=very satisfied.

"They are always willing to work with you when special circumstances arise. Offer consistent raises. They have a high-integrity work policy. Honesty is expected always, and dishonesty is not tolerated. Great hardware and software to work with. Always up to date with the technology and processes. Always moving forward and looking to improve." - Brigham Young University (BYU) Accounting Clerk (Provo, UT) said.

Here is the list of top 25 universities to work for in the country:

(Photo : Glassdoor)
Glassdoor's 2013 rating

Topics Top, 25, Universities, Work, US, Texas Tech University, Environment, United states, Survey, Glassdoor, Academic, Employees