Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Tennessee
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
600
670
635
SAT Math
590
670
630
SAT Total
1190
1340
1265
ACT Composite
25
31
28
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
50,488
Students Admitted
23,221
Students Enrolled
6,694
Yield Rate
28.8%
University of Tennessee Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#89
2025
University of Tennessee Overview
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public university in Knoxville, TN with 36,950 students. At 46.0% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Engineering, and Social Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after enrollment.
Is University of Tennessee a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 46.0% acceptance rate, University of Tennessee is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
University of Tennessee Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
University of Tennessee True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at U Tennessee. Families earning $0-30k pay around $10,029 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $25,688. 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating U Tennessee enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $20,500, which is reasonable against the $47,782 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$10,029
$40,116
$30-48k
$12,162
$48,648
$48-75k
$18,206
$72,824
$75-110k
$23,627
$94,508
$110k+
$25,688
$102,752
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$12,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$33,678
Popular Majors at University of Tennessee
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
27.9%
Engineering
10.9%
Social Sciences
7.2%
Biological Sciences
6.7%
Psychology
6.2%
Communication
6.1%
Health Professions
5.7%
Parks/Recreation
5.4%
Agriculture
3.7%
Computer Science
2.5%
Family Sciences
2.2%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.2%
Student Demographics
White
78.6%
Black/African American
4.7%
Hispanic/Latino
6.0%
Asian
3.7%
International
0.9%
How to Get Into University of Tennessee
U Tennessee is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why U Tennessee fits your goals.
1265
Target SAT Score
28
Target ACT Score
46.0%
Acceptance Rate
50,488
Total Applicants
What University of Tennessee Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Considered
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Considered
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Not Considered
Volunteer Work
Not Considered
University of Tennessee Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the University of Tennessee Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Priority Deadline
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: University of Tennessee reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
21.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$47,782
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Tennessee
What is U Tennessee's acceptance rate?
U Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 46.0%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for U Tennessee?
The middle 50% SAT range at U Tennessee is 1190-1340. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 25-31. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at U Tennessee?
The most popular majors at U Tennessee by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (27.9%), Engineering (10.9%), Social Sciences (7.2%), Biological Sciences (6.7%), Psychology (6.2%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do U Tennessee graduates earn?
U Tennessee graduates earn a median salary of $60,249 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is U Tennessee worth the cost?
With median earnings of $60,249 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $20,500, The earning potential is favorable relative to debt, though ROI depends heavily on your chosen major. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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