The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, founded in 1794, is Tennessee's flagship public research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Ranked among the top national public universities by U.S. News, UTK offers 360+ degree programs across 11 colleges, with particular strengths in business, engineering, and the sciences. The university's 600-acre urban campus features iconic landmarks like the Ayres Hall clock tower and modern facilities including the $129 million Student Union and the recently completed Mossman Building for chemistry. UTK's research expenditures exceed $300 million annually, with leadership in neutron science, advanced materials, and energy technologies.
UTK's location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains provides outdoor recreation alongside urban amenities. The university's Volunteers compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the SEC conference, with legendary football traditions at Neyland Stadium. UTK's Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy and Haslam College of Business are nationally recognized. The campus's lively Greek system and over 500 student organizations create a vibrant student experience, while the university's land-grant mission drives extensive outreach programs across Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Acceptance Rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 68.41%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
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-Knoxville Admission Requirements
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is 3.66. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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.
If your GPA is between 3.36 and 3.66, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.66, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.66 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.46 – 3.65 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.26 – 3.45 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.25 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Average SAT Score: 1299
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is 1299 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1299 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1170, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 625 | 580 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 625 | 590 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1299 | 1170 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1170 then you are below most of the admitted students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 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 1300
Can I get into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville are good but the admission staff at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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-Knoxville ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 31 |
Can I get into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28.The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Profile
Name: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is USD: 32658. 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-Knoxville is USD: 19400
How can I get a scholarship?
22.36% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 29.74 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist The University of Tennessee-Knoxville as your choice in the form.
How much a The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 60249. An average The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1276 | 28 |
| Mercer University | Mercer University, GA | 1288 | 29 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Illinois Wesleyan University, IL | 1263 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1335 | 30 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $60249 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32658 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is 68.41 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.66. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.36, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.36, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.36 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.26 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville if my GPA is below 3.26
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.66, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1299 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1170-1330
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.