The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has an acceptance rate of 41.6%, annual tuition of $13,812, average net price of $18,976, and a national rank of #146 (Grade A-), with a 71.2% graduation rate, about 30,418 undergraduates, and median earnings of $67,631 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, TN. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.9% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 79.8%, roughly 29.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates 71.2% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 91.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,812 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,598 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,356 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,298 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $33,678 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.9% of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,029 to $25,688 depending on family income. Use The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,627/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,688/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $67,631
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,249
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.4%
- Employment Rate 90.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn $67,631 median four years after graduation, +12% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-680
- SAT Math 600-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 30,418
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Retention Rate 91.9%
- Graduation Rate 71.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
1. Meet Academic Requirements: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 41.6%, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts 41.6% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200 and 1370 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among The University of Tennessee-Knoxville undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Research and Experimental Psychology draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.9%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 7.8%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 5.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.8%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.8%
- Biology, General 4.3%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.0%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $101,926
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $99,479
- 3. Nuclear Engineering $94,044
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $93,023
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $90,860
- 6. Chemical Engineering $89,398
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $88,397
- 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $85,604
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $85,054
- 10. Industrial Engineering $84,642
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $159,282
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $149,644
- 3. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $139,134
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $133,752
- 5. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $116,277
- 6. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $111,314
- 7. Industrial Engineering (Master's Degree) $109,778
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $108,396
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $97,661
- 10. Law (First Professional Degree) $96,435
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $101,926—20% more than Industrial Engineering ($84,642). Graduate: Dentistry programs lead with $159,282 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 417 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 413 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 252 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 226 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 211 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (92 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Accounting and Related Services
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Communication and Media Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Animal Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Journalism
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Architecture
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Interior Architecture
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Soil Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- Music
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Plant Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Physics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Construction Management
- Philosophy
- Food Science and Technology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Forestry
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Statistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Public Administration
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Sustainability Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, Other
- Psychology, General
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International/Global Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Engineering, Other
- Engineering Physics
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Online Master's Degrees (58 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Music
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Science
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Statistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Physics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Architecture
- Plant Sciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Nutrition Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Agricultural Business and Management
- History
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Food Science and Technology
- Chemistry
- Soil Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Forestry
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Engineering Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Systems Science and Theory
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
Online Doctoral Degrees (54 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Engineering, Other
- Physics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Mathematics
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Industrial Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Agriculture, General
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sociology
- Plant Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Nutrition Sciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Food Science and Technology
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Engineering Science
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
- Psychology, General
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Philosophy
- Law
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Economics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (34 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Music
- Nuclear Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Public Health
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Public Policy Analysis
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Area Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Statistics
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Food Science and Technology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 30,418
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Male Students 46.5%
- Female Students 53.5%
- Caucasian 78.1%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 6.7%
- Black 3.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 78.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 18.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #146 nationally with a 79.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,976 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $67,631 median earnings. The 71.2% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 91.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Strengths
Ranked #146 with a A- grade, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like The University of Tennessee-Knoxville excel at providing affordable education ($18,976 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's 91.9% retention and 71.2% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($67,631 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's 79.8% ROI and $18,976 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 71.2% graduation rate sits 8.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.9% first-year retention is 15.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 79.8% return on investment is 29.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $67,631 run about 12% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,976 is roughly $1,103 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.3% employment rate within three years sits 22.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 18.9% trails the national share by 15.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates The University of Tennessee-Knoxville—a public university in Knoxville, TN—at A- overall. It is currently ranked #146 nationally Category results include Completion (B+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (D+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 91.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 71.2% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 79.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,976 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $33,678.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,702 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $67,631 at the median. That sits about 12% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 90.3% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 79.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
41.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the The University of Tennessee-Knoxville admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's acceptance rate?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's acceptance rate is 41.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville cost?
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, listed tuition and fees are $13,812 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,976. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's ranking?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ranks #146 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's graduation rate?
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the graduation rate is 71.2%, and first-year retention is 91.9%.
What are The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's job outcomes?
Graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville report median earnings of $67,631 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's student population?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville enrolls about 30,418 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Knoxville, TN 37996
- Website www.utk.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$1.05B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.0%