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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,658 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,974 |
| Room and Board | $12,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,598 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,549 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,109 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,397 |
| $30–48k | $12,714 |
| $48–75k | $18,820 |
| $75–110k | $23,297 |
| $110k+ | $25,438 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates carry median debt of $20,500, which ranks at the 66th percentile nationally and remains $500 below the peer median of $20,000. Debt levels range from $6,398 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, showing reasonable variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates that typical graduates can manage their debt burden relative to post-graduation income, though this ratio is higher than ideal for optimal financial health. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,015 with monthly payments of $343, representing additional family debt not reflected in student borrowing figures.
The combination of moderate student debt and reasonable earnings creates manageable repayment conditions for most graduates. Debt levels appear well-controlled relative to institutional type and outcomes, though students should carefully consider borrowing decisions based on their intended career paths and expected earnings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Tennessee-Knoxville provides solid return on educational investment despite earning below expectations relative to student credentials. While graduates earn $17,099 less than predicted based on their academic profile, placing the institution modestly below average on value-added performance, absolute earnings of $60,249 remain competitive.
The university's debt level of $20,500 combined with above-average earnings creates sustainable financial outcomes for most graduates. Compared to peer institutions, UT-Knoxville students earn similar amounts ($294 less) while borrowing similar amounts ($500 less), indicating comparable value proposition within its competitive set.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests manageable repayment conditions, though not optimal. Low-income graduates earning $63,000 rank in the top 25% nationally, demonstrating particularly strong mobility outcomes for this population.
University of Tennessee-Knoxville enrolls 20.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful but selective access for lower-income families. This share falls below typical public university averages but still represents more than 1 in 5 students receiving federal need-based aid.
The substantial gap between sticker price ($32,658) and net price ($18,109) demonstrates significant financial aid deployment across income levels. Aid distribution strongly favors lower-income students, with the lowest-income families paying less than 30% of what highest-income families contribute.
This progressive aid structure reflects public university priorities to maintain access while generating revenue from families with greater ability to pay. The financial aid savings of $14,549 on average indicates robust institutional and federal aid combining to reduce costs for most students.
