The University Of Tennessee-Knoxville

University of Tennessee-Knoxville admits 46.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the Selective admission tier, requiring competitive academic credentials but remaining accessible to well-prepared students.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that UT-Knoxville is significantly more selective than typical public institutions, with admission standards that are 32.1 percentage points more stringent than peer universities. This selectivity reflects the university's position as Tennessee's flagship research institution, attracting strong applicants from both in-state and out-of-state.

While competitive, the 46% acceptance rate means that students with solid academic preparation have realistic admission prospects. The university's selective standards help maintain academic quality while still providing meaningful access to Tennessee residents and qualified out-of-state students.

Students should approach UT-Knoxville as a target or slight reach school depending on their academic profile, and build college lists that include both more and less selective alternatives. The admission process values academic achievement alongside other factors, making thorough application preparation important for competitive applicants.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville's published cost of attendance totals $32,658 per year, including $31,974 in out-of-state tuition, $12,500 for room and board, and $1,598 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $13,484, reducing total costs substantially for Tennessee residents.

However, the average student pays $18,109 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,549 from the sticker price. This net price ranks $2,519 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability compared to similar institutions.

The university's financial aid effectiveness reduces costs by nearly 45% on average, making the institution accessible to families across income levels. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $9,397 for the lowest-income students to $25,438 for the highest-income families.

This sliding scale approach ensures that lower-income students receive substantial aid while still requiring meaningful contribution from higher-income families. The university's public mission combined with effective aid targeting creates favorable cost conditions for most Tennessee families and competitive pricing for out-of-state students seeking quality education.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career trajectory. Median earnings grow from $47,782 six years after enrollment to $54,188 at eight years and $60,249 at ten years, representing 26.1% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 5,718 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 25th percentile at $39,008 and 75th percentile at $88,456, indicating a 2.3:1 ratio between higher and lower earners.

This spread reflects differences in program choice and career advancement across the university's diverse academic offerings. Low-income graduates achieve particularly strong outcomes, earning $63,000 and ranking in the top 25% nationally on this measure.

Approximately 28.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward movement, suggesting graduates gain career traction and advancement over time across various fields and industries.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Business Administration and Management ranks #88 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, graduating 417 students with median earnings of $68,864 and a strong value score of 74.3.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #37 nationally and #1 in Tennessee, producing 413 graduates earning $50,183. Computer Science, while having a smaller cohort of 92 graduates, delivers the highest earnings at $90,584 and ranks #107 nationally.

Mechanical Engineering ranks #125 nationally but #2 in Tennessee, graduating 191 students with median earnings of $80,833. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 252 students earning $68,331, while Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces 252 graduates earning $62,548.

Several programs hold #1 rankings within Tennessee, indicating the university's state-level leadership across multiple fields including business, health sciences, and applied disciplines.