Tennessee · College profile
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: SAT & ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate and Costs
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a public four-year university in Knoxville, Tennessee, enrolling about 30,418 undergraduates. It admits roughly 42% of applicants, which makes it moderately selective relative to four-year colleges nationally.
SAT and ACT scores at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
| Measure | Score |
|---|---|
| SAT 25th percentile | 1200 |
| SAT 75th percentile | 1370 |
| SAT midpoint (estimated) | 1280 |
| ACT 25th percentile | 25 |
| ACT 75th percentile | 31 |
| ACT midpoint (estimated) | 28 |
| Test policy | Required |
A quarter of enrolled students scored below 1200 and a quarter scored above 1370. Treat 1370 as the target that makes your score a clear strength in this applicant pool, and 1200 as the point below which the rest of your application has to carry more weight.
The two ranges describe the same class, so submit whichever test places you higher in its own range — an ACT 31 and an SAT 1370 are read as equivalent here.
Admissions and selectivity
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 41.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,418 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Setting | City |
| Control | Public |
Cost and financial aid
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition and fees | $13,812 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $33,256 |
| Room and board | $13,356 |
| Average net price (first-year students) | $18,976 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 18.9% |
| Students taking federal loans | 28.9% |
| Median federal loan debt at graduation | $16,000 |
Net price is the number that matters: $18,976 is what a typical first-year student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. Run the college's own net price calculator with your family's numbers before ruling it out on cost.
Graduation and earnings outcomes
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (6-year) | 73.9% |
| First-year retention | 91.9% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $60,249 |
| Students who are first-generation | 24.5% |
Most popular majors
- Business & marketing — 28% of bachelor's degrees
- Engineering — 10% of bachelor's degrees
- Communication — 7% of bachelor's degrees
- Social sciences — 7% of bachelor's degrees
Shares are of bachelor's degrees awarded, so a concentrated list usually signals a college known for those programs.
How your score compares
Take a free adaptive practice test on FunSAT, get an unofficial score estimate, and see exactly where you land inside The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's reported range alongside the rest of your college list.
Start a free practice test →Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville scored between 1200 and 1370 on the SAT. A score at or above 1370 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1200 the rest of your application carries more weight.
What ACT score do you need for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The middle 50% ACT range at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is 25 to 31. Aim for 31 to make the score a clear strength.
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville admits about 41.6% of applicants according to the most recent U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.
Does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville require SAT or ACT scores?
The most recent federal data lists The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's testing policy as "Required". Policies change yearly, so confirm with the admissions office for your application cycle.
How much does The University of Tennessee-Knoxville cost?
Published tuition and fees are $13,812 in-state and $33,256 out-of-state, but the average first-year student pays a net price of $18,976 after grant aid.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, Most-Recent-Cohorts-Institution. May 2026 release (file published 2026-05-26). Score ranges and costs are reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and can lag the current admissions cycle by a year or more.
FunSAT is a free browser-based SAT and ACT prep app: digital SAT and ACT practice tests, unofficial score calculators, a built-in graphing calculator, college admissions chances from official U.S. Department of Education data, and a scholarship search. Start free practice →