The University of Tennessee SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Tennessee, the ACT is not just a formality: 81% of students submit it, and a 27+ can qualify you for the UT Alumni Excellence Scholarship with a 3.25+ GPA. Aim for a 29 to 30 ACT to sit near the top of Tennessee’s range and make that scholarship threshold comfortably clear.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The University of Tennessee facts and stats
The University of Tennessee enrolls 30,564 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. Tennessee has a 92% freshman retention rate, which is well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 74%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18.1:1. Tennessee is test-required for admissions.
Knoxville, TN
How do your scores compare at Tennessee?
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Key The University of Tennessee application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
December 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Tennessee requires test scores, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, plan for the October SAT or September ACT as the last retake likely to arrive in time, and earlier retakes can also help you reach the ACT 27+ benchmark for the UT Alumni Excellence Scholarship.
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What you'll actually pay
Tennessee’s in-state tuition is $11,560, while out-of-state tuition is $30,704. About 42% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,871. Submit the FAFSA by the December 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
At Tennessee, out-of-state tuition is $30,704, compared with $11,560 for in-state students, and room and board adds $13,356. Forty-two percent of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $15,753; the average merit award is $5,871. Students graduate with an average debt of $31,264.
Student life at The University of Tennessee
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
27% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 20% of men join fraternities, and 37% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Baptist College
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 100%
Aquinas College, Tennessee
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 51.9%
ACT: 21–26
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Belmont University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 95.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–30
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