Overview
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a less selective public four-year institution in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school accepts 68.4% of applicants and enrolls 28,763 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 68.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,250
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,170–1,330
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 28
- Total Enrollment
- 28,763
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Tennessee operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the fall for the best shot at merit scholarships and housing preferences. The school fills spots as applications come in, making timing more critical than at schools with fixed deadlines.
Your essay should connect directly to specific Tennessee programs or opportunities. The Honors College offers smaller class sizes and research opportunities starting freshman year. If you're interested in engineering, mention the specific discipline since Tennessee's nuclear engineering program ranks among the nation's top programs. The Bredesen Center provides interdisciplinary PhD tracks that undergraduates can explore through research.
Tennessee weighs your course rigor heavily, especially in your intended major. Take calculus if you're applying to engineering, and load up on science courses. The school cares more about your preparation in relevant subjects than padding your schedule with easy electives.
Campus culture revolves around Volunteer spirit and SEC football. Students who thrive here embrace school traditions and the intense game day atmosphere. Greek life influences social scenes, but plenty of students find community through the 450+ student organizations. The campus sits in downtown Knoxville, giving you access to internships and job opportunities beyond typical college towns.
Don't apply undecided if you have any sense of your interests. Tennessee admits by college, and some programs like engineering have higher standards than the general admission pool. You can always change majors within your college later.
Submit your housing application immediately after your admission application. Popular residence halls fill quickly due to rolling admissions. Living on campus your first year connects you to the Tennessee community more effectively than commuting.
Tennessee residents get significant tuition advantages, but out-of-state students can qualify for partial tuition waivers through academic scholarships. Apply early to maximize your scholarship consideration since funds get distributed throughout the rolling cycle.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $18,109/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $13,484
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $31,974
- Students Receiving Aid
- 21%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,249/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 91.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
UT-Knoxville is test-optional, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Test scores can still help your application if they strengthen your academic profile.
What is the application deadline for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
UT-Knoxville has a priority application deadline of December 15 for fall admission. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
How many transfer credits does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accept?
UT-Knoxville accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours total from all previous institutions. You must complete at least 30 credit hours at UT to earn your degree.
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offer early decision or early action?
UT-Knoxville does not offer early decision or early action programs. The university uses a single application deadline with rolling admissions decisions released starting in mid-September.