About The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Students pay an average net price of $12,817 after financial aid, making this one of Tennessee's more affordable options for a full university education. Graduates earn a median of $51,151 ten years out, while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,500. The 96.8% employment rate reflects strong regional job placement, though the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests students need solid academic preparation to succeed here.
The Mocs compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports supported by over $5.4 million in athletic scholarships. Nearly 93% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the midsize city setting. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and 75% retention rate, students get personal attention but must stay motivated to reach the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.1%
- Retention Rate
- 74.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,151
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $145,898 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $76,460 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,041 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,883 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,255 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $63,005 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
Campus Life
The Mocs compete in Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports, and basketball games at McKenzie Arena draw solid crowds. With 92.48% of students from Tennessee, the campus has a distinctly regional feel. Students often head to downtown Chattanooga's revitalized riverfront on weekends, exploring the Tennessee Aquarium or hiking Lookout Mountain. The engineering and business programs maintain strong connections with local employers like Volkswagen and TVA, creating internship opportunities within the city. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know professors, especially in the well-regarded engineering program that benefits from Chattanooga's growing tech scene.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,557 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
104 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 22 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–45°F
- July Avg
- 67°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 58.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.6%
- Women
- 58.4%
- White
- 69.0%
- Black
- 8.8%
- Hispanic
- 5.7%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.5%
Location
- Address
- Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403-2598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,151
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,104
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
UTC accepts 82.65% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with decent academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1023-1210 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on serving a broad range of Tennessee students.
How much does The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,817 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,492. The university keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $10,144, though only 32.47% of students receive financial aid.
What is The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga known for academically?
UTC has built a reputation for strong engineering and business programs with close industry connections in Chattanooga's growing tech and manufacturing sectors. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention while preparing for careers in the region's expanding economy.
What are the graduation rates at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
About 53% of students graduate within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $51,151 ten years after enrollment. The 74.47% retention rate shows most students stay engaged, though the university continues working to improve completion rates.
Where do students live at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga?
The campus houses 3,557 students in residence halls, serving about 36% of the 9,878 total enrollment. Most students are Tennessee residents (92.48%) who often live off-campus in Chattanooga's affordable neighborhoods near the scenic Tennessee River.
Does The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga compete in Division I athletics?
The Mocs compete in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 239 total athletes supported by over $5.4 million in athletic scholarships. The nickname 'Mocs' comes from the region's Cherokee heritage, reflecting the university's deep roots in southeastern Tennessee.
