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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN·Public·28,763 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state Tennessee residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,700 within 10 years.

46%
Accept
28,763
Students
$18,109
Net Price
74%
Grad Rate
$56,700
Earnings
10 yr
$16,000
Debt

About This School

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee with approximately 28,763 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 46% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $18,109 per year. The graduation rate is 74%, and the typical graduate earns $56,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public land-grant research university in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with 14 colleges. It hosts more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries.

Tennessee's flagship is a strong option for students who want a large research university experience without the large price tag — at $18,109 average net price and just $16,000 median debt at graduation, it's one of the better public university values in the Southeast. The 91% freshman retention rate signals that students generally arrive and stay happy, and a 74% graduation rate is solid, though not exceptional, so ask yourself honestly whether you have the self-motivation to finish in a big-campus environment. Graduates earn a median of $56,700 ten years out, which compares favorably to the debt load — the math here works.

Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing28%
Engineering11%
Biological Sciences7%
Social Sciences7%
Communications6%
Health Professions6%
Psychology6%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1304
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$13,484
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,974
Avg Net Price
$18,109
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$16,000

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$32,658

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
74%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
91%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (28,763 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

527 Andy Holt Tower

Knoxville, TN 37996

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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