The University of Tennessee Knoxville

  • 7/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Knoxville, TN
  • 4.8 5 reviews
#1 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

Overview

Total enrollment

38,728
The University of Tennessee Knoxville overview
The University of Tennessee Knoxville overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of Tennessee's main campus is located in Knoxville, situated in the eastern part of the state along the Tennessee River and near the Great Smoky Mountains. The flagship public land-grant institution, established in 1794, features a 600-acre campus known for its Neoclassical architecture and distinctive Hill district, where the iconic Ayres Hall stands. UT Knoxville maintains selective admission standards and is recognized for its programs in supply chain management, nuclear engineering, and forensic anthropology, along with its partnership with nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The university houses most first-year students in its campus residence halls and operates a significant research enterprise while competing in NCAA Division I athletics as the Volunteers, with notable success in women's basketball and both men's and women's football programs.

Ratings

Tennessee is rated within the top 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    7 out of 10
  • Academics
    9 out of 10
  • Resources
    6 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    8 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult
The University of Tennessee Knoxville admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1200/1370
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 25/31

Acceptance Rate

41.6%
The University of Tennessee Knoxville applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 27.4%
  • Application Fee $50

Applicant Competition Average

Very Low
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Annual Cost to Attend

Tennessee Resident Tuition

$13,812

Out of State Resident Tuition

$33,256

Breakdown

In State Costs for The University of Tennessee Knoxville
  • Tuition $13,812
  • Books and Supplies $1,598
  • Other Fees $2,252
  • Room and Board $13,356
  • Budget for Other Expenses $6,298
  • Total One Year Cost $37,316

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$56,300 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

63% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are Business, Psychology, and Communication. 20% of students major in Business, 10% in Psychology, and 10% in Communication.

  • Business 20%
  • Psychology 10%
  • Communication 10%
  • Social Sciences 9%
  • Engineering 8%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering The University of Tennessee Knoxville are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=221759.

GPA calculator: The University of Tennessee Knoxville GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026