Tennessee vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1; Union University 9:1.

Tennessee vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Union University ($21,648 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 4.3% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($12,780 vs. $13,356).
• Union University is 189.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $26,213 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.4% higher at Union University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $6,769 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 163.4% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($30,120 vs. $11,434).

Tennessee vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and Tennessee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 10 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee - Required; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Tennessee vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Tennessee vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $4,840 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($206 vs. $256).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.