The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee · Public · 41.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 73/100 · Fair Value
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,812/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $33,256/yr |
| Average net price | $18,976/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $75,904 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,249 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 73.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,418 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,029 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,162 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,206 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,627 |
| $110,001+ | $25,688 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,074 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,020 | D |
| Marketing | $70,661 | B |
| Biology | $58,149 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,793 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $77,118 | B |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $92,042 | B |
| International Relations | $60,073 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,623 | B |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $21,138 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is $13,812/year ($33,256/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,976/year, or roughly $75,904 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,029/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,688/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $60,249 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 73.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 41.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 600-690 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-31 |
| Enrollment | 30,418 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,968 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (this school) | 73 | $18,976 | $60,249 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 87 | $17,303 | $68,758 |
| University of South Florida | 78 | $9,812 | $57,743 |
| Auburn University | 76 | $24,323 | $65,337 |
| Austin Peay State University | 36 | $9,735 | $44,301 |
| East Tennessee State University | 35 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $18,976 per year leads to $75,904 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $60,249 a decade out. The payback period of 8.6 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 73.9% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $20,500 against $60,249 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.