University Insights

University of Tennessee Knoxville Admits 34% of Students to the Class of 2028

University of Tennessee Admits 19,472 to Class of 2028
2025/09/19

Arkesh P.

Chief Operating Officer

Summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s (UTK) Class of 2028 saw record applications (57,270 total) and a significant drop in overall acceptance to 34%, with in-state students admitted at a much higher 65% rate compared to 27.3% for out-of-state and international applicants. UTK continues to attract a diverse student body, offers over 360 programs with popular majors like Nursing, Business, and Biological Sciences, and is expanding facilities to meet demand.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Acceptance Rate and Admission Stats for the Class of 2028

On February 29th, the University of Tennessee Knoxville announced that it had offered admission to 19,472 students for the Class of 2028, a figure that includes admissions for both Early Action and Regular Decision applicants.

The overall admission rate dropped for the second year in a row, sinking from 74% three years ago to only 34%, as the number of applicants continued to increase again, following an even more dramatic rise in applicants in 2023.

It's important to note that UTK prioritizes access for Tennessee residents, resulting in a 65% acceptance rate for in-state applicants, compared to only 27.3% for out-of-state applicants, which includes international students.

University of Tennessee Class of 2028 Acceptance Rates

Class of 2025Class of 2026Class of 2027Class of 2028
Total First-Year Applications29,90136,29050,48857,270
Admitted Applicants22,41324,82623,21119,472
Overall Admission Rate74.9%68%46%34%

Student Profile for UTK Class of 2028

Typically about 60% of in-coming students are Tennessee residents, about 30% are from diverse states across the US, and about 10% are international students. The class includes 59% female students and 41% male students.

About 84% are first-generation college students, with 6% Hispanic, and about 4% African American. Approximately 32% choose to live on campus, with 68% living off campus or commuting.

There has never been a better time to become a Tennessee Volunteer. More students than ever before have applied to join the Volunteer family and light the way for future Volunteers.

- UTK Admissions

All About the University of Tennessee at Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), founded in 1794, blends a rich history with academic excellence. Located on a 910-acre campus in the lively city of Knoxville, UTK offers a dynamic learning environment in a picturesque setting. It stands out for its diverse range of programs across various colleges, with nationally ranked offerings in accountancy, business, and law.

With an undergraduate enrollment of around 28,000 and a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, UTK fosters a personalized and interactive educational experience. The university is noted for its financial accessibility, with graduates often incurring less debt compared to other national universities. Popular majors include Business, Nursing, Engineering, and Biological Sciences, among others.

UTK's admirable freshman retention rate of 88% indicates strong student satisfaction. Outside academics, the university offers ample recreational opportunities, making it a holistic choice for students seeking comprehensive academic offerings and a spirited campus life.

Top Majors at UTK

UTK offers an astounding 360 undergraduate programs. The following majors were the most popular for students admitted for the Class of 2028 at UTK:

  • Nursing
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Biological Sciences

UTK leaders are excited about the school's growing enrollment and are busy expanding facilities, making plans for three new residence halls, and exploring new models for more industry-oriented interdisciplinary academic programming.

We have leaders who will be meeting with industry regularly to incubate new degree programs quickly,” Plowman said. “We have been giving degrees the same way for years—from just one college. What industry needs is someone with the skills from three or four different colleges, so we are putting together stackable modules for that quickly.

- Donde Plowman, UT Chancellor

What Makes Crimson Different

How Crimson Education Can Help You Get Into the University of Tennessee and Other Top Ranking Colleges

As we've seen, interest in the University of Tennessee has shot up in just the past two or three years. As more students apply, the university seeks to grow, but still, the overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 has dropped to 34%, from a high of 74% just three years ago!

Most college admissions experts agree that the number of students applying to top universities will continue to grow.

If you're aiming for admission to UTK you should know that Crimson Education has an impressive track record, having helped thousands of students get into the world's most competitive universities.

Our college admissions consultants include former Ivy League graduates who can help you with admissions services tailored to your goals.

Learn more about our story and register for upcoming admissions webinars and events and get practical insights for your college journey.

Remember, Crimson can tailor support to your goals and challenges. Schedule a free feedback session with one of our experts to learn more.

Read Next

Book a free consultation with one of our expert advisors.