Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
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.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Thomas More University in Kentucky (97% acceptance, $59,384 median earnings) or University of Mary Washington in Virginia (86% acceptance, $60,613 median earnings). Both institutions deliver comparable post-graduation earnings while offering significantly more accessible admission processes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in Tennessee should consider The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (77% acceptance, $51,151 median earnings) located 99 miles away, or Carson-Newman University (68% acceptance, $48,382 median earnings) just 27 miles from Knoxville. Both provide Tennessee-based education with more accessible admission.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other selective options include Texas Christian University (43% acceptance, $68,424 median earnings) for students seeking comparable admission standards with potentially stronger outcomes, though at significantly higher cost. These institutions compete for similar applicant pools.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
