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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Tennessee-Knoxville typically present strong academic credentials that reflect the university's selective admission standards. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1190 to 1340, with a median of 1304, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally among all institutions. This represents exceptional academic preparation, with most admitted students scoring well above national averages. The SAT Math range spans 590 to 670, while Verbal scores range from 600 to 670, showing balanced performance across both sections. ACT scores range from 25 to 31 with a median of 28, also ranking at the 97th percentile nationally. Compared to peer institutions, UT-Knoxville students score 106 points higher on the SAT and 3 points higher on the ACT, demonstrating the university's ability to attract academically talented students. These score ranges indicate that most admitted students fall within the middle 50% span, though students scoring outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. For prospective students, scoring within or above these ranges significantly improves admission prospects, while scores below the 25th percentile face more competitive evaluation. Students should view these ranges as guidelines rather than absolute requirements, as the university considers multiple factors in admission decisions beyond standardized test performance.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Tennessee-Knoxville enrolls a student body that reflects both academic selectivity and meaningful diversity across economic backgrounds. The university enrolls 20.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful access for students from lower-income families, though this share is lower than typical public institutions. First-generation students comprise 24.5% of enrollment, representing nearly 1 in 4 students who are the first in their families to attend college. Transfer students make up 18.9% of the student body, providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests the university balances selective admission standards with commitment to educational access across different student populations. The relatively smaller shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students compared to peer institutions reflect the university's selective admission profile, which tends to correlate with higher family income and educational attainment. However, meaningful representation of these groups indicates that qualified students from diverse backgrounds can gain admission and succeed. Students from lower-income families should note the 20.7% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and consider the financial aid resources available to support their enrollment and success.
Given University of Tennessee-Knoxville's 46% acceptance rate and selective academic standards, most applicants should prepare alternative options. The schools below offer comparable outcomes with different admission profiles.
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Students who enroll at University of Tennessee-Knoxville demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes that exceed peer institution performance. The retention rate of 91.1% means that more than 9 in 10 freshmen return for sophomore year, significantly above the peer median of 83.7%. This 7.4 percentage point advantage suggests effective student support systems and campus engagement that help students successfully transition to college-level academics. The overall graduation rate of 73.5% outpaces the peer median of 65.9% by 7.6 percentage points, indicating that students who enroll are likely to complete their degrees. Pell-eligible students graduate at 63.4%, creating a 10.1 percentage point gap compared to overall completion rates. While this gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students, the absolute completion rate for Pell students remains reasonable and above many institutional averages. The university's strong retention and completion performance suggests that admitted students, regardless of background, receive adequate academic and social support to persist through graduation. Prospective students can expect an environment that prioritizes degree completion and provides resources to help students navigate academic challenges successfully.
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