What Is It Known For?
The University of Tennessee began in 1794 as a small college and has evolved into Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university and premier public research institution. Recognized as the #1 public university in Tennessee, UT Knoxville encompasses the UT Space Institute and the UT Institute of Agriculture, serving the state by educating citizens, enhancing culture, and making meaningful differences through research and service.
As part of the University of Tennessee System, the institution currently offers 900+ programs of study to its 38,728 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. With over 282,000 alumni worldwide, UT continues to expand its impact across Tennessee and beyond through innovative education and groundbreaking research initiatives.
Degrees & Certifications
The university provides bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees across different disciplines. Some of the programs offered here include:
- Architecture
- Business Administration/Management
- Communication and Information Sciences
- Engineering (specifically noted for Nuclear Engineering)
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Supply Chain Management/Logistics
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Students can choose from a variety of learning formats. UT offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes, along with 70+ fully online programs through Vols Online. Graduate programs such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) often schedule courses in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working professionals.
Many programs in health sciences and other professional disciplines include clinical rotations, externships, or practicums, providing essential real-world experience.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC),
Acceptance Rate
The overall acceptance rate stands around 42% for recent years, with Fall 2025 admissions at 38.3%. Prospective students should thoroughly review admission requirements to strengthen their applications.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Estimated tuition costs vary by residency and program level:
- Undergraduate: In-State – $11,560 | Out-of-State – $30,704
- Graduate: In-State – $13,720 | Out-of-State – $32,208
- Law: In-State – $20,508 | Out-of-State – $39,252
Additional expenses apply to most programs. Students should use the school’s net price calculator for personalized cost estimates, including potential financial aid.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Sport Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law and Social Welfare
Healthcare
- Healthcare Informatics
- Health and Human Sciences
- Kinesiology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- BSN
- Nursing
- RN to BSN
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Veterinary
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Theatre
Skilled Trades
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Construction Science and Management
- Electrical
- Fire Protection Engineering
Technology
- Applied Cybersecurity
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Knoxville The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is widely celebrated for its vibrant community, strong school spirit, excellent social life, and career opportunities in key colleges. However, these positives are slightly undercut by complaints about a lack of consistent administrative guidance and the overwhelming influence of Greek life on the social scene.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Community and Southern Hospitality: The university is praised for its welcoming culture, strong sense of community, and prevalent “southern hospitality.” Students frequently mention meeting “kind” people and feeling “at home” right away.
Vibrant Social and Event Life: There are “tons of activities and clubs” and “always something going on” (food trucks, carnivals, career fairs). The school spirit and camaraderie, especially around athletics and “game days full of orange and white,” are a major highlight.
Excellent Career and Academic Opportunities: Students, particularly in the Haslam College of Business (Supply Chain Management) and Engineering, praise the limitless opportunities, challenging classes, and groups that help build leadership and connections with companies.
Abundant Student Resources and Campus Quality: The campus is noted as being “shockingly clean” with “ample spaces to eat, rest, and study.” Reviewers appreciate the availability of resources for tutoring, making friends, safety, and transportation.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Guidance and Inconsistent Information: The most significant complaint is a “lack of guidance and assistance” once students are enrolled. Advising staff are criticized for providing “inconsistent or factually incorrect” information, forcing students to rely on peers and “advocate for themselves” to find the right path.
Overwhelming Greek Life: For some, the “Greek life has overrun the university” and made it “hard to find a place in the institution” outside of that system, leading some students to consider transferring.
Lack of Diversity: One reviewer noted that “more diversity would be beneficial to the campus,” suggesting the student body is relatively homogenous.
Campus Construction: Seniors expressed disappointment with the ongoing construction, particularly along “the strip” (Cumberland Ave.), noting that it has become unrecognizable.
Momentum
The momentum for UTK is very strong and positive. It is successfully creating a welcoming, high-spirited campus culture that offers high-value career programs, particularly in business and STEM fields. While administrative guidance and diversity issues remain points of friction, the overwhelming enthusiasm for the community, social life, and academic quality suggests it is achieving its goal of being a highly desirable, large state university with a strong, unique identity (“Volunteers”).