Students from low-income backgrounds at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville achieve exceptional financial outcomes, earning more than similar students at nearly all other public universities nationwide.
Graduates across all income levels see strong long-term earnings that place the university well above typical flagship institutions for career success.
Azimuth ranks The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 75th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 82nd percentile for overall value. As Tennessee's flagship research university, UT Knoxville delivers consistently strong long-term earnings outcomes while maintaining the scale and resources of a major public institution. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after enrollment, positioning the university well above average nationally for earnings performance.
What distinguishes UT Knoxville is its ability to serve as a launching pad for career success, particularly for students who can navigate its moderately selective admissions process. While the university enrolls fewer low-income students than many public institutions, those who do attend see exceptional outcomes—low-income graduates earn $63,000 at the ten-year mark, ranking in the top 10% nationally. This combination of strong overall earnings and outstanding mobility outcomes for underrepresented students places UT Knoxville in the "Selective Achievers" category.
The university's strength spans multiple fields, from nuclear engineering programs that produce some of the highest-earning graduates in the state to business administration programs that combine large enrollment with solid financial returns. For students seeking the prestige and opportunities of a flagship university with predictable, strong career outcomes, UT Knoxville offers a compelling combination of academic breadth, regional influence, and long-term financial success.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's program portfolio reflects the strengths of a comprehensive flagship research university, with particular excellence in engineering, business, and professional fields. Nuclear Engineering represents the pinnacle of the university's technical programs, graduating 43 students annually who earn $75,204 ten years out—among the highest outcomes for any program in the region. This specialized field demonstrates UT Knoxville's ability to compete with top-tier institutions in highly technical disciplines.
Business Administration and Management serves as the university's primary economic engine, combining substantial enrollment of 417 graduates with solid median earnings of $55,590. This program exemplifies UT Knoxville's strength in preparing students for professional careers throughout Tennessee and the Southeast, where the university's alumni network provides significant advantages. The scale of the business program creates meaningful employer relationships and internship opportunities that benefit students across multiple business disciplines.
The university's comprehensive nature shows in programs like Exercise Science and Kinesiology, which graduates 413 students annually into health, fitness, and related careers. While earnings are more moderate at $26,907, these programs serve important regional workforce needs and provide pathways into graduate study in physical therapy, medicine, and related health fields. This breadth of programming, from highly technical nuclear engineering to health and human services, reflects UT Knoxville's role as Tennessee's flagship institution serving diverse student interests and career goals.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across a wide range of academic programs. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $60,249, placing the university in the 76th percentile nationally for earnings performance. This solid foundation reflects both the university's academic strength and its deep connections to employers throughout Tennessee and the broader Southeast region.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, creating opportunities for students to maximize their return on investment through strategic major selection. Nuclear Engineering stands out as the highest-earning program, with graduates earning $75,204 ten years out—among the strongest outcomes for any public university program in the region. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest high-return program with 417 graduates, produces median earnings of $55,590 while serving as a key economic engine for the institution. Even Exercise Science and Kinesiology, one of the most popular majors with 413 graduates, provides a foundation for careers in health, fitness, and related fields, though at more moderate earnings levels around $26,907.
The university's location in Tennessee provides graduates with cost-of-living advantages that help earnings stretch further than in many other regions. Combined with strong alumni networks and employer relationships built over decades, UT Knoxville graduates enter a job market where their degrees carry significant regional recognition and where living costs remain manageable compared to major metropolitan areas.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville maintains predictable and reasonable pricing across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $9,397 annually after aid, a figure that sits comfortably below national averages for flagship public universities. Middle-income families face net costs around $18,820 per year, while higher-income families pay about $25,438—pricing that reflects the university's commitment to keeping education affordable while maintaining quality.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,500 upon completion. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,015, reflecting the choices many families make to invest directly in their students' education at a flagship institution. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by the strong earnings outcomes that make repayment sustainable over time.
What makes UT Knoxville particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how well the investment pays off long-term. With median earnings approaching $60,249 ten years out, most graduates find themselves well-positioned to handle their debt obligations while building wealth. The combination of reasonable upfront costs, manageable debt levels, and strong post-graduation earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across different income levels.
The University Of Tennessee-Knoxville Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
