The University of Tennessee-Martin: 88.4% Acceptance Rate

88.4%Acceptance

$10,208Tuition

4,600Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,213Earnings

Public4-yearNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Tennessee-Martin

The University of Tennessee-Martin serves 4,600 students in rural West Tennessee, building its reputation around agriculture, education, and nursing programs. This regional public university sits in a remote town setting where students dive deep into hands-on learning experiences. The school accepts 88% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1130, drawing students who want quality education without cutthroat competition.

Students pay an average net price of $10,299 after financial aid, making UT Martin one of the more affordable options in Tennessee. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,213 ten years after graduation, while leaving with typical debt of $21,024. The math works for most students, especially considering 96% find employment after graduation. Low-income families pay just $6,949 net price, proving the university prioritizes accessibility.

Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education and nursing fields. The Skyhawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 17 sports with 458 student-athletes. Nearly 91% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community where the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The 54% six-year graduation rate suggests students need time to balance academics with the hands-on experience that defines this agricultural and education powerhouse.

Academics & Faculty

UTM operates as a regional public university with strong roots in agriculture, education, and nursing programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors in this rural West Tennessee setting. With a 54.80% six-year graduation rate, the university faces retention challenges common among regional institutions serving first-generation college students. The university maintains its agricultural heritage through programs that serve the surrounding farming communities. Education majors prepare for teaching roles across rural Tennessee schools. The nursing program addresses healthcare needs in underserved areas. UTM's academic mission centers on practical, career-focused programs rather than research, making it a solid choice for students seeking affordable professional preparation close to home.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.8%
Retention Rate: 73.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,213
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,549
Engineering, General.	Bachelor	$56,415
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$52,733
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$47,260
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$44,933
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$43,240
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$42,123
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$41,007
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$39,860

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

Martin sits in rural West Tennessee, about two hours from Memphis and Nashville. With housing for just 2,071 students on a campus of 4,600, most upperclassmen live off-campus in town. The 90.72% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit feel where everyone seems to know someone you know. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering Tennessee summers.

The Skyhawks compete in 17 Division I sports, and athletic events anchor weekend social life in a town where the university is the main attraction. Students often head to nearby Kentucky Lake for boating and fishing when weather permits. Greek life provides another social outlet, though the 458 total athletes make up a significant portion of campus leadership. The agriculture and education programs reflect the regional character, with many students planning to stay in rural Tennessee after graduation. Campus traditions center around Skyhawk athletics and homecoming festivities that bring the entire Martin community together.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 2,071 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	4	3
Rape	3	3
Domestic Violence	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Stalking	3	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Burglary	1	1
Robbery	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–45°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.7"
Annual Snowfall: 3.1"

Student Demographics

The student body at UT Martin reflects its role as a regional anchor in rural West Tennessee. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, drawn largely to the university's strong nursing and education programs. Over 90% of students come from Tennessee, showing the school's deep roots in serving local communities. One in three students receives Pell Grants, indicating UT Martin provides affordable access to higher education for working-class families across the region. This demographic mix aligns perfectly with the university's mission to train teachers, nurses, and agricultural professionals who often return to serve rural Tennessee communities.

Men: 38.0%
Women: 62.0%
White: 77.0%
Black: 13.2%
Hispanic: 4.7%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 90.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.3%

Location

Martin sits in rural West Tennessee, about 150 miles northeast of Memphis and 125 miles northwest of Nashville. The town of 10,000 people revolves around the university campus. With 90.72% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with West Tennessee's agricultural landscape and small-town culture. The remote setting means students drive to nearby Union City or Paris for shopping and entertainment beyond campus. Martin offers classic college town amenities like local restaurants and parks, but big-city attractions require a road trip. The university serves as the cultural and economic center for this farming region. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare The University of Tennessee-Martin with similar schools in the region.

Address: Martin, Tennessee 38238

The University of Tennessee-Martin campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,213
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,528
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee-Martin?

UTM accepts 88.44% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1020-1240 on the SAT and earned an ACT average of 22. This regional public university focuses on serving students throughout rural West Tennessee.

How much does The University of Tennessee-Martin cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,299 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $6,949. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $21,024 in debt. The affordable cost makes UTM attractive for first-generation college students in the region.

What academic programs is The University of Tennessee-Martin known for?

UTM built its reputation on agriculture, education, and nursing programs that serve rural Tennessee's workforce needs. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 allows for personal attention in these hands-on fields. The university maintains strong ties to local hospitals, schools, and agricultural businesses for internships and job placement.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at The University of Tennessee-Martin?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 53.79%, while graduates earn a median salary of $44,213 ten years after graduation. The 96% employment rate reflects strong regional job connections, particularly in education and healthcare. Monthly loan payments average $223, making the debt manageable for most graduates.

Where is The University of Tennessee-Martin located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Martin, a small town in rural West Tennessee with 4,600 students total. Housing capacity of 2,071 means about 45% of students can live on campus, creating a close-knit residential community. The Skyhawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 17 sports, uniting the campus and surrounding region.

How diverse is the student body at The University of Tennessee-Martin?

Women make up 61.96% of the student body, while the racial composition is 76.96% white and 13.24% Black. About 91% of students come from Tennessee, reflecting UTM's mission as a regional university. The demographics mirror the rural West Tennessee communities that UTM primarily serves.