Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Chattanooga, Tennessee
77% Acceptance Rate
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77%Acceptance Rate
3.61Avg GPA
1117Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$23,563Annual Cost
$51,151Grad Salary
32.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg GPA
3.61
Avg SAT
1117
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1005–1185
ACT Middle 50%
20–25
Avg Net Price
$12,817
Need-Based Aid
32.5% receive Pell
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, regional service, and student success. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, research, and leadership development. Its focus on providing an accessible, high-value education makes it a reliable and effective choice for students aiming to achieve their academic and professional goals.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Acceptance Rate
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 77%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 77% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.16
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
UTC reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UTC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UTC is 3.61. UTC is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.81-4.01 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UTC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UTC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.61, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.21 – 3.40
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.20
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC), UNITID 221740, is a public university and one of three campuses in the UT System, located in downtown Chattanooga along the Tennessee River. Acceptance rate approximately 81% (2024-25: 8,510 admitted from 10,494 applicants). Average admitted ACT 23 (middle 50%: 20?26), average SAT 1100?1130. No essay or letters of recommendation required for general admission, though may be requested for specific programs/scholarships. Application fee approximately $30; no fee per some sources. SAT/ACT submission required for the admission process (not test-optional in the same way as some peer institutions, though test score requirements interact with the guaranteed-admission pathways).
- Guaranteed in-state admission via three pathways: top 10% class rank, OR 3.2 GPA, OR a specific GPA-plus-test-score combination (published directly on UTC's admissions site). Recommended thresholds for individual review applicants: 2.5 GPA + 21 ACT/990 SAT, or 2.85 GPA + 18 ACT/870 SAT. UTC recently lowered non-resident tuition rates - a current policy change; verify against the specific cycle's published non-resident rate rather than older cost comparisons, and ask about additional tuition discount eligibility.
- Named transfer partnerships: Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Dalton State College (Georgia), and Covenant College - these four institutions have formal, structured transfer agreements distinct from general transfer credit evaluation. Admissions calendar: scholarship-specific deadline in September; Early Action deadline in November; regular rolling admissions September through April.
- UTC houses Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Professional Studies; Fine Arts Center supports Theater and Music departments; 13 men's and women's NCAA athletic teams (the Mocs). Extensive study abroad partnerships including with CISabroad, spanning semester, summer, internship, January, and faculty-led program formats. Dual enrollment and military/veteran-specific advising pathways are available alongside traditional freshman and transfer admission tracks.
- The Rigor Metric: At UTC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UTC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UTC Without SAT or ACT?
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Average SAT Score: 1117
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is 1117 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1117 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1117 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1185 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1005, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UTC. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 538 | 495 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 558 | 510 | 605 |
| SAT Composite | 1117 | 1005 | 1185 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1005 then you are below most of the admitted students at UTC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1185 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) are good but the admission staff at UTC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UTC is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UTC
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UTC is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Guaranteed In-State Admission Is Available Through Three Distinct Pathways - Top 10% Class Rank, a 3.2 GPA, or a Specific GPA-Plus-Test-Score Combination
UTC offers Tennessee residents (and applicants under reciprocal arrangements) a structurally clear guaranteed admission policy: students who rank in the top 10% of their graduating class, OR who hold a 3.2 GPA, OR who meet a specific combination of GPA and standardized test score, are guaranteed admission regardless of holistic factors. This is published explicitly on UTC's own admissions page as "In-state Guaranteed Admission" and removes the uncertainty that typically accompanies college applications for students near these thresholds. For students who don't meet any of the three guarantee paths outright, UTC still reviews applications individually - CollegeData's published guidance shows a 2.5 GPA with minimum 21 ACT/990 SAT, or a 2.85 GPA with minimum 18 ACT/870 SAT, as recommended thresholds for freshman consideration. Counselors working with Tennessee students near these GPA bands should map the student's specific numbers against all three guarantee pathways rather than assuming only one applies - a student might miss the top-10% threshold but still qualify outright via the 3.2 GPA path.
UTC Recently Lowered Its Out-of-State Tuition Rates - A Current Cycle Policy Change Worth Flagging for Non-Tennessee Families Who May Be Working From Outdated Cost Assumptions
UTC's own admissions materials state that the university "recently lowered our rates for out-of-state students," directing prospective non-Tennessee residents to review current non-resident rates and check eligibility for an additional tuition discount on top of the new baseline. This is a recent and active policy shift, meaning families researching UTC using older cost comparisons, third-party aggregator sites, or prior-cycle guidebooks may be working from stale and inflated out-of-state cost figures. Given that UTC already reports one of the more favorable acceptance-to-cost profiles among regional Southern public universities, this recent rate reduction makes UTC a genuinely stronger value proposition for out-of-state applicants than it was even one or two admissions cycles ago. Counselors should verify the current non-resident rate directly on UTC's tuition page rather than citing previously published figures, and should specifically ask about the additional tuition discount eligibility criteria UTC references on its own site.
UTC's Named Transfer Agreements With Four Specific Feeder Institutions Create a Smoother Path Than the General Tennessee Transfer Pathway - Know Which One Applies
UTC has established formal transfer agreements with four specific institutions: Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Dalton State College (Georgia), and Covenant College. These named agreements go beyond Tennessee's general statewide community college transfer framework by providing structured, pre-mapped course equivalencies and a "smooth transition to UTC" specifically engineered around each partner institution's curriculum. A student attending Chattanooga State or Cleveland State with UTC as their eventual destination should engage UTC's transfer advising specifically through this named partnership pathway from their first semester, rather than relying solely on general transfer credit evaluation processes that apply to students from non-partner institutions. The inclusion of Dalton State College (a Georgia institution) as a named partner is notable, since it signals UTC actively courts cross-state transfer students from northwest Georgia's community college system, not just in-state Tennessee community colleges.
September Is UTC's Scholarship-Specific Deadline, Distinct From Both the November Early Application Date and the General Rolling Admissions Window That Runs Through April
UTC's admissions calendar has three layered components that are easy to conflate: early applications are due in November, regular/rolling applications are accepted from September through April, but scholarship consideration has its own specific September deadline that sits earlier than even the early application window for general admission. A student who waits until the November early-application date to apply, believing they are positioning themselves well for both admission and scholarships, may have already missed the September scholarship-specific cutoff. Because UTC does not require an essay for general admission - a fact corroborated by student reviews noting "since there was no essay required in the admission process I knew my grades would be very important and speak for me as a student" - GPA and test scores carry outsized weight in both the admission decision and whatever scholarship review process applies within the September deadline window. Students should confirm UTC's exact September scholarship deadline date for their specific cycle directly with the admissions office, since this date is easy to overlook when planning around the more commonly cited November Early Action date.
Expert Insight:
The most consistent planning failure at UTC involves families anchoring their cost expectations to outdated out-of-state tuition figures, given that UTC has recently and explicitly lowered its non-resident rates - a change that may not yet be reflected in third-party college search tools, forums, or older guidebooks that students and counselors commonly consult. A second, distinct failure involves the layered deadline structure: students who correctly identify and meet the November Early Action date for general admission, but who are unaware that scholarship consideration operates on an earlier September deadline, may submit a fully competitive application that nonetheless misses scholarship review entirely. Because UTC does not require an essay for general admission, students sometimes mistakenly assume the entire process - including scholarships - is similarly low-friction and deadline-flexible, when scholarship review in particular rewards early, deadline-conscious applicants.
UTC Profile
Full Name
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC)
City
Chattanooga
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37403-2598
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UTC Degree Worth It?
Getting into UTC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UTC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UTC is $56,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.4%.
How much does a degree from UTC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is $23,563. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is $12,817.
32.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 38.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UTC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UTC as your choice in the form.
How much does a UTC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $51,151. An average UTC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at UTC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UTC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51,151 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23,563 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
32.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is 77% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.31, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.31, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.21 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1117 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1005–1185.
The application fee for The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is 30. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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