UTC Offers Free Application Week for Prospective Students

Chattanooga, September 16, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is hosting a free application week from September 15 to 20, waiving application fees for both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants can use the code FREEAPP26 to submit their applications without cost, aligning with Tennessee’s initiative to increase enrollment. UTC is aiming for 15,000 students by 2030 and has already welcomed a record 12,060 students this year, including a significant increase in both freshman and graduate populations.

Chattanooga – Prospective undergraduate and graduate students looking to apply to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) have a significant opportunity ahead. From September 15 to 20, UTC will host its free application week, allowing students to submit their applications without any fees attached. This initiative waives the typical undergraduate application fee of $30 and the graduate school application fee of $35, making it an accessible option for many.

To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants can utilize the code FREEAPP26 in the UTC application portal, which will automatically waive any associated application costs. This initiative is part of the statewide Tennessee College Application and Exploration Month, during which multiple colleges and universities across Tennessee waive their application fees.

UTC encourages both local students from Chattanooga and those from surrounding areas to seize this chance to apply without financial barriers. This comes on the heels of the university recently achieving its largest student body in history, boasting an impressive total of 12,060 enrolled students for the second consecutive year. This number includes 10,396 undergraduate students and 1,664 graduate students, surpassing last year’s attainment of 11,775 enrollees.

This fall also marks the arrival of UTC’s second-largest freshman class, with 2,363 first-year students joining the ranks. The university has reported a notable increase in its new graduate and transfer student populations, with a nearly 6% rise in new graduate students and a 4.7% rise in transfer students compared to the previous year.

In alignment with its goal to enroll 15,000 students by the year 2030, UTC’s Chancellor has expressed that increasing enrollment by 3,000 students over the next five years is ambitious yet attainable. Strategies to achieve this target include responding to community needs, addressing student demand, and evaluating infrastructure capacities.

Part of UTC’s enrollment growth strategy is the expansion of dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, as these have limited impacts on campus resources. The university is also considering the rising popularity of online master’s programs as part of its offerings.

Chancellor Bruce outlined the intention to manage growth responsibly, particularly regarding freshman classes, to ensure that campus infrastructure can adequately support the increase in student populations. Currently, approximately 31% of UTC students reside in on-campus housing, a proportion anticipated to stabilize alongside growing enrollment figures. In response to the expected demand for housing, UTC is constructing a new 794-bed residence hall aimed at accommodating the needs of its expanding student body.

In summary, UTC’s free application week is an excellent opportunity for potential students to apply without financial constraints as part of a broader initiative to drive higher enrollment numbers and accommodate diverse educational pathways.

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Additional Resources

• WSMV: Applications are Free This Week at UTC
• Local 3 News: Apply to College for Free During UTC Free Application Week
• Times Free Press: UTC Enrollment Surpasses 12,000
• Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Tennessee Chattanooga
• Google Search: University of Tennessee Chattanooga

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