
527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA


The University of Tennessee-Knoxville holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation confirms that the university meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in its academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional operations.
In addition to the overarching regional accreditation, several individual colleges and programs within the university have received specialized accreditations from relevant professional bodies. These recognitions ensure that specific disciplines maintain industry and academic standards that align with national expectations, providing assurance to students about the value and credibility of their chosen fields of study.
Admission to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville requires prospective students to meet several academic criteria. Applicants must submit their secondary school academic records, including both GPA and class rank, demonstrating a competitive high school performance. Standardized testing is also a mandatory part of the application process, with both the SAT and ACT scores required. Additionally, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for non-native English speakers, while other standardized tests are recommended but not compulsory.
The university does not employ an open admission policy, so applicants must fulfill these evaluation standards to be considered. While dual credit and credit through college programs are not accepted, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are granted, potentially allowing students to earn college credit before enrollment.
The acceptance rate stands at approximately 46%, reflecting a selective admissions process with a high volume of applicants; over 50,000 students apply yearly. The middle 50% range of admitted students' standardized test scores is notably strong: the mean SAT score is 1255, placing admitted students in roughly the top 25% nationally, and the average ACT score is 28, also within the top 25% percentile nationally.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay an application fee as part of their submission process. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with processing and reviewing applications.
The standard application fee for undergraduate students is set at a moderate rate, ensuring accessibility while maintaining necessary operational support for the admissions office. However, the university offers fee waivers to eligible students to reduce financial barriers.
Fee waivers are available primarily for applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet certain criteria, such as participation in specific programs or receipt of standardized fee waiver forms through recognized organizations. These waivers are designed to encourage a diverse and inclusive applicant pool by alleviating costs for qualified individuals.
Prospective students seeking a fee waiver must follow the university's outlined procedures, which typically involve submitting a request along with appropriate documentation or confirmation of eligibility. This process ensures that waivers are granted fairly and to those who genuinely require assistance.
It is advisable for applicants to consult the official admissions website or contact the admissions office to confirm eligibility and application details related to fees and waivers before submitting their application.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the U. S. military. The institution provides Army ROTC, which combines academic coursework with military training to develop leadership, discipline, and strategic skills applicable both in the military and civilian sectors. Students enrolled in the Army ROTC program participate in physical fitness training, leadership labs, and field training exercises, all aimed at enhancing their readiness for commissioning as officers upon graduation.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville accepts transfer students who have completed College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams, indicating flexibility in recognizing prior learning achievements. Prospective transfer applicants can also submit recommendations as part of their application process, which the university considers in admissions decisions. While some details such as the acceptance of CLEP general exams, DANTES credits, overall credit transfer policies, and age limits are not disclosed, these confirmed points offer insight into the transfer evaluation criteria.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a diverse array of study abroad programs designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs range from short-term faculty-led trips and summer sessions to semester- and year-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various global environments while earning credit toward their degrees.
Participants can choose programs aligned with their academic interests and career goals, covering multiple disciplines such as business, engineering, humanities, and the sciences. Faculty-led trips typically involve intensive courses coupled with on-site learning experiences, while longer exchange programs allow students to fully engage with another university's academic system and local culture over an extended period.
The university provides guidance and support throughout the application process, including assistance with visas, scholarships, and program selection to ensure a seamless transition abroad. Additionally, many programs emphasize experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, or community service in the host countries, enabling students to develop practical skills and cross-cultural competencies.
By participating in these study abroad options, students gain global perspectives that complement their academic pursuits and prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1255Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
81%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
24%Computer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Data not available