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University of Tennessee, Knoxville acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as UT Knoxville, UTK, Tennessee
University of Tennessee, Knoxville accepts 42% of applicants. It is a public university in Knoxville, Tennessee, with about 30,418 undergraduates. The sticker price is $27,406 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $18,314.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for UT Knoxville?
Admitly estimates a typical Tennessee resident needs about a 4.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 50%.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of Tennessee, Knoxville by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1255, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Tennessee resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 10% Reach | 3% Reach |
| 3.3 | 10% Reach | 3% Reach |
| 3.5 | 18% Reach | 6% Reach |
| 3.7 | 29% Reach | 11% Reach |
| 3.9 | 43% Target | 18% Reach |
| 4.0 | 50% Target | 23% Reach |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $27,406 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $9,600 | $26,200 |
| $50k – $100k | $17,500 | $34,000 |
| $100k – $150k | $22,700 | $39,200 |
| $150k – $250k | $27,400 | $45,300 |
| Over $250k | $27,400 | $46,850 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of Tennessee, Knoxville
What is the acceptance rate at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
University of Tennessee, Knoxville admits 42% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
Admitly estimates a typical Tennessee resident needs about a 4.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 50%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1200–1370 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does University of Tennessee, Knoxville cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $27,406 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $18,314 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,600 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
74% of students finish their degree, and 92% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN · admits 69%
- University of MemphisMemphis, TN · admits 72%
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN · admits 6%
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC · admits 42%
- University of California, DavisDavis, CA · admits 42%
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL · admits 42%