The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The Vibe Check
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville pulses with the energy of a big-time SEC school, where the roar of the Neyland Stadium crowd is a constant backdrop to academic life. The campus blends historic red-brick buildings with modern research facilities, creating a welcoming, spirited environment where school pride is a way of life. It feels like a place where you can work hard in the lab or library and then join 100,000 of your closest friends to cheer on the Vols.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UT Knoxville is a powerhouse in research, holding the prestigious R1 designation and offering students ample opportunities to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking projects. The university excels in STEM fields, with top-ranked programs in engineering and supply chain management, while the Haslam College of Business is highly regarded in the South. Class sizes can be large for introductory courses, but dedicated professors and extensive academic support resources help students succeed.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Knoxville
Knoxville offers a vibrant downtown scene with the historic Market Square, home to farmers' markets, festivals, and a wide array of restaurants and bars. Outdoor enthusiasts love the city's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where students can hike, bike, and explore on weekends. The city's 'Old City' district provides a trendy spot for live music and nightlife, ensuring there's always something to do off-campus.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($60,249):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a dedicated UTPD force and offers resources like the UTK Alert system and a 24/7 escort service for on-campus safety. Knoxville is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong academic reputation in STEM and Business, especially for in-state students.
- ✓ Vibrant campus spirit and Greek life centered around major SEC athletics.
- ✓ High value with affordable in-state tuition and solid post-graduation earnings.
- ✓ Prime location in a growing city with access to outdoor recreation and a lively downtown.
Cons
- ✗ Large class sizes, particularly in introductory courses for popular majors.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making it a less affordable option for non-residents.
- ✗ Can feel overwhelming for students who prefer a smaller, more intimate campus environment.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UT Knoxville is widely known for its powerful combination of top-tier SEC athletics, particularly football at Neyland Stadium, and its status as a leading public research university. It is a national leader in specific areas like supply chain management, nuclear engineering, and agriculture. The campus is also famous for its strong sense of community and volunteer spirit, embodied by its mascot, Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has an acceptance rate of approximately 46%, making it a moderately selective university. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically between 1190 and 1340, and the average ACT score is around 28. While not as selective as some elite private universities, admission requires a strong academic record, especially for competitive programs like Engineering and Business.
Campus life at UT is energetic and dominated by school spirit. With over 28,000 students, it offers a large-school experience with a Division I athletics atmosphere, a vibrant Greek system, and hundreds of student organizations. While many students are drawn to the party scene, there is also a strong academic community, especially within Living-Learning Communities and major-specific colleges, providing a balance of social and scholarly opportunities.
For in-state students, UT Knoxville offers an exceptional value, with a low tuition rate and a strong median salary of $60,249 ten years after graduation, making it a highly worthwhile investment. For out-of-state students, the decision depends on the chosen major and career goals, as the higher cost is offset by the university's strong reputation and alumni network, particularly in business and engineering. The average net price of $18,109 after aid makes it a financially viable option for many families.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 28,925
- In-State Tuition $13,484
- Out-of-State $31,974
- Zip Code 37996
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a relatively low in-state tuition and a high median graduate salary of over $60,000, the University of Tennessee offers a strong return on investment for Tennessee residents. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition is a significant investment, but the university's strong reputation in business and engineering can lead to lucrative career opportunities that justify the cost. The average net price of $18,109, factoring in financial aid, makes it a financially accessible option for many families compared to private institutions.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.