US University · Ranked #66
University of Tennessee: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Tennessee is an accessible university in Knoxville, Tennessee with an acceptance rate of roughly 75%, meaning most qualified applicants are admitted. Ranked #66 nationally in our dataset, it is a strong choice for a likely or safety school: meeting the published academic minimums and applying before the deadline puts most students in good standing.
The University of Tennessee is a major public research university in Knoxville, known for its top-ranked supply chain management program, Volunteer spirit, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
This guide breaks down University of Tennessee's admission requirements, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Tennessee admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- SAT range
- 1100–1300
- Average GPA
- 3.55
- In-state
- $13,264
- Out-of-state
- $31,664
- Enrollment
- 28,321
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Knoxville, Tennessee
How hard is it to get into University of Tennessee?
An acceptance rate of 75% makes University of Tennessee an accessible school where most qualified applicants are offered admission. For students who meet the published academic minimums, this functions as a likely or safety option. The priority is a complete, accurate, on-time application rather than a polished competitive narrative.
University of Tennessee is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Tennessee typically score between 1100 and 1300 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1100 and a quarter above 1300. A score at or above 1300 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1200 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.55. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1100) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Tennesseeapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Dec 15
University of Tennessee offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Dec 15. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Dec 15.
Notable programs at University of Tennessee
- Supply Chain Management — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Nursing — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Agriculture — an applied, increasingly in-demand field at this institution.
University of Tennessee is particularly known for Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Nursing, and Agriculture.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Tennessee
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Tennessee costs significantly less for Tennessee residents: in-state tuition is about $13,264 per year versus roughly $31,664 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $18,400 annually. If you are not a Tennessee resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Tennessee an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Tennessee: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Tennessee?
- University of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 75%, which makes it accessible. University of Tennessee is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Tennessee?
- Admitted students at University of Tennessee typically score between 1100 and 1300 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1300 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1100 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Tennessee?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Tennessee is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.55 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Tennessee?
- University of Tennessee's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Dec 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Tennessee a public or private university?
- University of Tennessee is a public university. In-state students from Tennessee pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Tennessee?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Tennessee costs significantly less for Tennessee residents: in-state tuition is about $13,264 per year versus roughly $31,664 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $18,400 annually. If you are not a Tennessee resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.