Selective80% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into University of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee Public University • #105 National • Founded 1794

Tennessee Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

80%
Acceptance Rate
3.55
Average GPA
1235
Average SAT
27
Average ACT
24,000+
Total Applicants
5,400
Class Size
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Tennessee SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1140-1330
Average1235
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range24-30
Average27
2036

About University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is the flagship campus of the UT system, known for its top-ranked supply chain management program, passionate Volunteer fanbase, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. UT's Haslam College of Business and Tickle College of Engineering are nationally recognized.

Top Programs

BusinessEngineeringSupply Chain ManagementNursingCommunication Studies

What Makes Tennessee Unique

  • #1 Supply Chain Management program in the nation (Haslam College)
  • Neyland Stadium — 100,000+ capacity, one of the largest in the world
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory partnership for research
  • Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Vol Nation — one of the most passionate fanbases in college sports

Tennessee Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$13,264/yr
Total Cost$29,600/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$53,400/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid55%
Avg Aid Package$12,000+
School TypePublic

Tennessee Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
December 15
Early Action
November 1

How to Get Into Tennessee: Admission Tips

1

EA deadline November 1 gives priority for scholarships

2

Haslam College of Business is competitive — mention it specifically

3

Tennessee offers generous merit scholarships for OOS students

4

The Honors program is worth applying to for stronger students

5

Demonstrated interest through campus visits can help

The Brutal Truth About Tennessee Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 80% acceptance rate, Tennessee rejected over 4,800 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Tennessee, having a 3.55 GPA and 1235 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Tennessee doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Tennessee genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 80%-acceptance-rate basket.

Tennessee Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at University of Tennessee?

University of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 80% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 24,000+ applicants, approximately 5,400 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Tennessee?

The average GPA of admitted students at University of Tennessee is 3.55. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.40, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Tennessee?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Tennessee students is 1140-1330. The average SAT score is 1235. For ACT, the range is 24-30 with an average of 27.

Is Tennessee hard to get into?

Yes, University of Tennessee is selective with an acceptance rate of just 80%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Tennessee cost?

Tuition at University of Tennessee is $13,264 per year, with total cost of attendance at $29,600. However, 55% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Tennessee?

Your chances of getting into University of Tennessee depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 80% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

Free — No credit card required

What Are Your Chances at Tennessee?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.

Popular Majors at Tennessee

Business at TennesseeEngineering at Tennessee
Supply Chain Management
Nursing at Tennessee
Communication Studies

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