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.
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
- Acceptance rate: approximately 81% (2024?25: ~10,494 applicants, ~8,510 admitted); rolling admissions with decisions typically within one week of a complete file.
- ACT scores are required of all applicants under 21 - UTC is not test-optional. Median ACT composite is 23 (25th percentile: 20, 75th percentile: 26); UTC superscores the ACT for both admission and scholarship purposes.
- Brock Scholars Honors Program waives out-of-state tuition for qualifying first-year students, and includes a reserved DPT doctoral program seat (one per cohort); Brock Scholars must complete 25 credit hours of specialized honors seminars for the Brock Scholars minor.
- The Innovations in Honors program (for transfers and current students) has a March 1 housing-consideration deadline and June 1 non-housing deadline; a 2025 articulation agreement with Chattanooga State Community College guarantees Chattanooga State Honors graduates admission into Innovations in Honors at UTC.
- 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.
Leverage the In-State Guaranteed Admission Criteria Strategically
UTC operates a published guaranteed admission system for Tennessee high school students - a 2.85 GPA with an 18 ACT (960 SAT), a 3.0 GPA with a 21 ACT (1060 SAT), or a 3.2 GPA / top 10% class rank with a 23 ACT (1120 SAT) all guarantee a spot. No essay is required for general admission. The strategic implication: Tennessee students who fall just below a threshold should prioritize ACT retakes over supplemental materials, since moving from a 20 to a 21 ACT moves them into a higher guaranteed tier with better scholarship eligibility. Note that all applicants, regardless of GPA or class rank, must submit ACT or SAT scores - this is not test-optional.
Apply to the Brock Scholars Program Separately - And Show Up for the Interview
The Honors College's Brock Scholars Program requires a completely separate application from the UTC admissions application, with a noon EST deadline of January 21. All applicants must attend an in-person Interview Weekend (January 31, February 7, or February 21) - attendance is required to be eligible for admission. There is no minimum GPA or ACT to apply. Brock Scholars who are out-of-state students get out-of-state tuition fees waived, making the Honors College pathway one of the most concrete merit pathways at UTC for non-Tennessee applicants. One Brock Scholar per year is also guaranteed a seat in UTC's Doctor of Physical Therapy program upon completing their undergraduate degree in good standing.
Use the Downtown Chattanooga Location as an Internship and Research Argument
UTC's campus sits in the heart of downtown Chattanooga and extends to the Tennessee River, a positioning that is embedded in the institution's self-description as a "metropolitan university." For students in business, engineering, environmental science, or public policy, the correct application framing is Chattanooga's industry presence - including major logistics, manufacturing, and health system employers - rather than generic urban-campus language. Students targeting UTC should research a specific Chattanooga employer or community partner in their intended field and name it explicitly in any essay or interview context.
File for Scholarships by December 1, Not When You Apply
UTC uses rolling admissions with decisions possible within a week of a completed file, but the scholarship deadline is fixed: submit the admissions application by December 1 and the separate scholarship application by February 1 to be considered for UTC merit awards. Applying in October and assuming scholarships follow automatically is a common mistake. The application deadline for the main admissions file to receive scholarship consideration is December 1; the scholarship application itself is a separate form due February 1. Students who conflate these two steps miss one or both windows.
Expert Insight:
UTC requires ACT or SAT scores from all first-time freshmen under age 21 - there is no test-optional pathway at the undergraduate level. Many students from states where test-optional is universal assume UTC will accept a GPA-only file. It will not. Students who have not taken the ACT or SAT need to schedule testing immediately upon identifying UTC as a target school; the tiered guaranteed-admission framework means even a modest test score improvement can unlock a higher admission guarantee tier and better scholarship consideration.
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
Full list of all degree programs offered by The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga →
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.
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.