Admit rate has ranged 46%–79% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a flagship public university where Southern charm meets serious research muscle. With a 41.6% acceptance rate and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, UTK attracts students drawn to its robust engineering programs, spirited campus life, and a graduation rate that outpaces many peers. Its 'Vol is a Verb' ethos underscores a culture of engagement, from Smoky Mountain hikes to career outcomes where 91.4% of grads land jobs or further education.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Letters of recommendation
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
30,418
In-state tuition
$13,812
Out-of-state tuition
$33,256
Acceptance Rate
41.6% (66% in-state, 24% out-of-state)
Signature Programs
Logistics, Engineering, Psychology
Career Outcomes Rate
91.4%
Six-Year Graduation Rate
73%
Total Cost (Out-of-State)
$49,672
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,249
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.2×
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
Graduation rate
74%
First-year retention
92%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
68%
Pell (lower-income) share
53%
First-generation share
25%
Endowment / student
$39,054
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Nuclear Engineering$75,204
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$69,338
Industrial Engineering$69,338
Chemical Engineering$66,653
Mechanical Engineering$66,377
Computer Science$65,387
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
25
Per 1,000 students
0.82
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
86
Summer high
87°F
Winter low
35°F
Annual rain
53"
Annual snow
5.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's acceptance rate is approximately 42% (Knoxville, TN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville typically score 1200–1370 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville cost?
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the average net price (after aid) is about $18,976 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville enrolls approximately 30,418 undergraduate students.
Where is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville located?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN.
Admissions
UTK's admissions process reveals a stark divide between in-state and out-of-state applicants, with Tennessees enjoying a 66% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. compared to just 24% for non-residents. The mid-50% range for admitted students falls between a 28-32 ACT (1300-1440 SAT equivalent) and a 4.08-4.50 UT Core Weighted GPA. Notably, engineering hopefuls face stricter benchmarks—those falling short are redirected to general admission. The university emphasizes character and First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. status alongside academics, with February 15 as the regular decision deadline.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Computer Engineering
$58,390
Materials Engineering$58,221
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
UTK thrives on interdisciplinary grit, particularly in logistics and supply chain management (a top major) and engineering through its CECS college, which pushes 'cross-cutting degrees' in emerging tech. The curriculum balances tradition with pragmatism—only 33% of programs emphasize writing-intensive courses, but undergrads can tap into research projects (6% participation) and service learning (7%). The university’s 'collaborative, interdisciplinary approach' shines in hands-on labs and co-ops, especially for Vols pursuing marketing or psychology, two other popular majors.
Orange isn’t just a color here—it’s a lifestyle. The Office for Campus Culture & Community curates events where 'Vol is a Verb,' from Rocky Top tailgates to Instagram-worthy hikes in the Smokies (tag #VolLife for features). Student Life promotes 'globally engaged leaders' through 500+ clubs, though only 12% join learning communities. The vibe is distinctly Southern: think porch swings on fraternity row, mentorship programs, and a Facebook feed brimming with family weekends showcasing 'rich traditions.'
UTK’s six-year graduation rate hit a record 73% in 2024, with four-year completions climbing to 62%—both well above national averages. Career outcomes are even stronger: 91.4% of 2023 grads secured jobs or further education within six months, while only 5.5% were still searching. The university is pushing toward an 80% six-year graduation rate, leveraging outcomes-based funding to boost degree production. For logistics majors, that means near-guaranteed placements with Fortune 500 companies like FedEx and Amazon.
At $49,672 total annual cost for out-of-state students (tuition: $33,336; room/board: $14,738), UTK leans on scholarships to bridge gaps. The average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid drops to $21,880, though in-state students pay far less. The Net Price Calculator hints at full-ride opportunities, but most aid comes as merit awards—think 3.8+ GPAs and 30+ ACTs. Work-study and state grants help, but the real value play is for Tennessees: auto-admission with a 24 ACT and in-state tuition under $14K.
UTK masters the balance between big-school spirit and intimate learning—where else can you tour Dolly Parton’s alma mater, then intern at Oak Ridge National Lab? Its 91.4% career outcome rate rivals privates, while the 'Vol Network' ensures grads stay connected from Nashville to Tokyo. The kicker? That 24 ACT in-state guarantee, making it a stealth safety for Tennessees with Ivy-level outcomes in supply chain and engineering.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville logo · sourceVisit Campus - University of Tennessee, Knoxville · sourceThe University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville, TN · sourceKnoxville - University of Tennessee, Knoxville · source
