About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville draws 28,763 students to its midsize city campus, where orange and white dominate everything from football Saturdays to everyday campus life. This public research university has produced NFL legend Peyton Manning and country music superstars Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney. The Volunteers compete in the powerhouse SEC conference, where football rivalries with Alabama and Florida define fall weekends. Students here embrace the passionate Volunteer spirit that extends far beyond Neyland Stadium.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,109, which drops to just $9,397 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after leaving campus, while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,500. Monthly loan payments average $217, making this education affordable relative to career outcomes. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off.
The student body tilts 69.45% in-state, creating a strong Tennessee identity throughout campus. Nearly all freshmen return for sophomore year, with 91.08% choosing to stay. The 73.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to getting students across the finish line, even as the 18:1 student-faculty ratio means some classes feel crowded.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,109, which drops to just $9,397 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after leaving campus, while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,500. Monthly loan payments average $217, making this education affordable relative to career outcomes. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off.
The student body tilts 69.45% in-state, creating a strong Tennessee identity throughout campus. Nearly all freshmen return for sophomore year, with 91.08% choosing to stay. The 73.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to getting students across the finish line, even as the 18:1 student-faculty ratio means some classes feel crowded.
Academics & Faculty
UT Knoxville operates as a major public research university with strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in introductory courses. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities across disciplines, from nuclear engineering to veterinary medicine. The 73% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor and support systems available. The College of Engineering draws national recognition, while the Haslam College of Business consistently ranks among top public programs. Agriculture and life sciences leverage Tennessee's rural heritage. With 28,763 students, the university offers the resources of a major research institution while maintaining strong ties to Tennessee industry and government.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.5%
- Retention Rate
- 91.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,249
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $138,932 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,650 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $99,662 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $99,251 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,502 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $90,412 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $75,832 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | Doctoral | $75,204 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
Campus Life
Nearly 70% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community feel on the 910-acre campus in downtown Knoxville. The city sits about two hours from Nashville and offers classic Southern weather where you'll need both sunscreen for hot, humid summers and a decent coat for chilly winters. Only about 30% of the 28,763 students live in campus housing, so many upperclassmen rent apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods like The Fort or Cumberland Avenue.
Weekends revolve around Neyland Stadium, where 102,000 orange-clad fans pack in for SEC football games. The Vol Walk before home games has become legendary, with players walking through thousands of cheering fans. When football isn't in season, students flock to Market Square downtown for restaurants and nightlife, or explore the nearby Smoky Mountains just an hour away. Greek life claims about 20% of students, but the real unifying force is simply being a Vol. The campus buzzes with orange and white pride year-round, and "Rocky Top" plays constantly during game days.
Weekends revolve around Neyland Stadium, where 102,000 orange-clad fans pack in for SEC football games. The Vol Walk before home games has become legendary, with players walking through thousands of cheering fans. When football isn't in season, students flock to Market Square downtown for restaurants and nightlife, or explore the nearby Smoky Mountains just an hour away. Greek life claims about 20% of students, but the real unifying force is simply being a Vol. The campus buzzes with orange and white pride year-round, and "Rocky Top" plays constantly during game days.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 8,700 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
244 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 30 | 20 | 1 | 1 |
| Stalking | 29 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 23 | 17 | 4 | 0 |
| Rape | 23 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 16 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–47°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.6"
Student Demographics
Tennessee draws students who bleed orange and prioritize tradition over prestige. With 69% from in-state, the university serves as Tennessee's flagship destination for ambitious locals seeking affordable excellence. The student body of 28,763 reflects the state's demographics, creating a predominantly white community with growing diversity. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, drawn to strong programs in education, nursing, and business alongside the university's well-known engineering and agriculture departments. One in five students receives Pell Grants, making UT accessible to working-class families across Appalachia and the Mid-South who value both academic opportunity and Saturday football.
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.4%
- White
- 79.3%
- Black
- 3.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.0%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 69.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.7%
Location
Knoxville sits in eastern Tennessee, about 180 miles from Nashville and 200 miles from Atlanta. The city has a population of around 190,000, making it Tennessee's third-largest city. Campus sprawls across 600 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Tennessee River winds through downtown, just minutes from campus. Knoxville blends college town energy with mid-sized city amenities. About 69% of students come from in-state, creating strong Tennessee roots throughout campus. The Smoky Mountains offer hiking and outdoor recreation less than an hour away. Market Square downtown provides restaurants and entertainment within walking distance of campus. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare The University of Tennessee-Knoxville with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,249
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,635
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 68.41% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1250. This makes it moderately selective for a major SEC research university that attracts strong students interested in Volunteer athletics and Tennessee traditions.
How much does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,109 annually, with in-state tuition at $13,484 and out-of-state at $31,974. The university keeps costs manageable for a flagship SEC school, especially for Tennessee residents who make up 69.45% of the student body.
What is the student-faculty ratio at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1 across the 28,763-student campus. This is typical for a large public research university where students balance rigorous academics with the famous orange and white Volunteer spirit.
What do graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median salary of $60,249 ten years after graduation, with a 95.4% employment rate. Alumni like Peyton Manning and Kenny Chesney showcase the university's ability to produce successful graduates across diverse fields.
Where do students live at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Campus housing accommodates 8,700 students in a midsize city setting in Knoxville. The 91.08% retention rate reflects strong student satisfaction with both the academic environment and the passionate SEC football culture.
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville have strong athletics?
The Volunteers compete in 16 NCAA Division I sports within the strong Southeastern Conference, with 629 total athletes receiving $21,519,779 in athletic scholarships. The football program is legendary for its passionate fanbase and historic rivalries with Florida, Alabama, and Vanderbilt.
