The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga admits 77.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive offers of admission. This places UTC in the Open Access tier, indicating broad educational opportunity for Tennessee residents and out-of-state students. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows UTC is somewhat more selective than typical public regional universities, but maintains accessible admission standards. This level of admission accessibility means most students with solid high school preparation can expect competitive consideration. Students should view UTC as a realistic option rather than a reach school, allowing focus on academic fit and program quality rather than admission uncertainty. The relatively accessible admission rate enables students to concentrate on selecting the right academic program and understanding career outcomes rather than worrying about admission competitiveness. For students building balanced college lists, UTC serves as a solid match school with predictable admission outcomes and strong regional reputation. This accessibility combined with quality academic programs makes UTC particularly attractive for first-generation and transfer students seeking supportive educational environments.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UTC typically score between 1005 and 1185 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling within this range. The median SAT score of 1117 reflects solid academic preparation among enrolled students. SAT Math scores range from 495 to 580, while SAT Verbal scores span 510 to 605, indicating balanced performance across both sections. ACT scores range from 20 to 25, with a median of 23, demonstrating consistent academic readiness. These test score ranges rank at the 90th and 91st percentiles respectively, showing UTC attracts academically prepared students despite accessible admission rates. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, UTC enrolled students score 27 points higher, indicating the university attracts stronger academic performers than typical regional public universities. Students scoring below 1005 SAT or 20 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Applicants within the middle 50% ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission and should expect favorable consideration. These academic credentials suggest students arrive with solid preparation for college-level coursework across UTC's diverse program offerings. For prospective students, these ranges provide realistic benchmarks for self-assessment and college list development.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UTC enrolls a diverse student population that reflects both academic achievement and economic accessibility. The university admits 32.5% Pell-eligible students and 29.3% first-generation students, indicating meaningful enrollment of students from lower-income families and those whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students comprise 24.4% of enrollment, demonstrating UTC's commitment to serving students from diverse educational pathways. This composition suggests the university balances academic standards with access priorities, creating opportunities for students across different backgrounds. The combination of solid test scores and diverse socioeconomic representation indicates UTC attracts academically prepared students while maintaining accessibility for underrepresented populations. Geographic diversity likely reflects both in-state Tennessee residents and regional draw from surrounding southeastern states. First-generation students should recognize that nearly 3 in 10 enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional understanding of their unique needs. Students from lower-income families should consider the substantial 32.5% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems. The significant transfer population suggests UTC provides effective pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This diverse enrollment profile creates rich educational environments where students from different backgrounds learn together while pursuing shared academic goals.
With UTC's 77% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should expect competitive consideration rather than treating this as a reach school.
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UTC maintains a 74.5% freshman retention rate and 53.1% six-year graduation rate, indicating moderate success in supporting students through degree completion. Compared to peer institutions with median retention of 73.2% and graduation rates of 49.3%, UTC performs slightly above average in keeping students enrolled and progressing toward degrees. Pell-eligible students graduate at 48.1%, creating a 5.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall 53.1% completion rate. This gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students but remains within typical ranges for public regional universities. The retention and completion data indicate that students who gain admission generally find supportive academic environments, though degree completion requires sustained effort and institutional engagement. Students should expect that approximately 3 in 4 freshmen return for sophomore year, while just over half complete degrees within six years. The modest Pell gap suggests UTC provides reasonable support systems for lower-income students, though additional resources may benefit this population. Prospective students should plan for active engagement with academic support services and campus communities to maximize success chances. These completion patterns reflect typical outcomes for regional public universities serving diverse student populations with varying levels of college preparation and external obligations.
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