Knoxville TN, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has reached a historic milestone with over 40,000 students enrolled for the fall semester. This record surpasses last year’s numbers and reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student support, highlighted by a first-year retention rate of 91.9%. The incoming class includes more than 7,100 students chosen from nearly 63,000 applications, while UT aims for continued growth in future enrollment, including expanding online programs.
Knoxville, TN – University of Tennessee Sees Record Enrollment with Over 40,000 Students for Fall 2025 Semester
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT) has announced that enrollment for the fall 2025 semester has surpassed 40,000 students, marking a significant milestone for the institution. This enrollment figure exceeds the previous record of over 36,000 students set last year. A definitive enrollment number will be confirmed after the 14th day of classes.
The remarkable increase is primarily attributed to the university’s impressive first-year student retention rate of 91.9%. The incoming class for fall 2025 includes more than 7,100 students, chosen from nearly 63,000 applications. This increase reflects the university’s commitment to attracting a diverse and academically accomplished student body.
UT’s provost has indicated confidence in the university’s capacity to provide an exceptional experience and support for its students. Looking forward, UT has set a goal to reach an enrollment of 41,000 students by 2030, which includes plans for 14,000 students enrolled in online programs.
Applications for fall 2026 opened on August 1, presenting prospective students with Early Action and Regular Admission options. The Early Action submission deadline is designed to allow students to receive acceptance notifications before the end of the calendar year. Given the increase in applications, UT’s acceptance rates have also decreased, dropping to 38.3% for fall 2025.
The university employs a holistic admissions process that takes into account a range of student experiences and achievements. Applicants are required to submit a Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record, and the majority of admitted students for fall 2025 had GPAs of 4.0 or above and standardized test scores within the ACT range of 27 to 32 or SAT range of 1275 to 1430. A nonrefundable application fee of $75 applies, although fee waivers are accessible for certain qualifications.
Additionally, UT has implemented a guaranteed admissions policy for high-performing graduates from specified schools in Tennessee, facilitating entry for top students.
UT has maintained consistent tuition rates since 2020, with the academic year cost amounting to approximately $35,502 for in-state students and $54,946 for out-of-state students. The institution also emphasizes the ongoing enhancement of its Division of Student Success, aimed at assisting students academically and in their post-graduate career paths. A new facility dedicated to this Division of Student Success is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2027.
On an academic front, UT ranks 52nd among public universities in the United States and boasts top 10 national rankings for its nuclear engineering and supply chain management programs. These accolades contribute to the overall appeal of the university, promoting its growth and success in attracting a record number of students.
Key Enrollment Figures
| Enrollment Statistics | Fall 2025 | Fall 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Over 40,000 | Over 36,000 |
| First-Year Students | Over 7,100 | Data not available |
| Retention Rate | 91.9% | Data not available |
| Acceptance Rate | 38.3% | Data not available |
| In-State Tuition | $35,502 | Consistent since 2020 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $54,946 | Consistent since 2020 |
FAQ
What is the record enrollment number of the University of Tennessee for the fall 2025 semester?
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville reported more than 40,000 students enrolled for the fall 2025 semester.
What has contributed to the increase in enrollment at the University of Tennessee?
The increase in enrollment is attributed to a 91.9% retention rate of first-year students.
How many applications were received for the first-year class in fall 2025?
The first-year class for fall 2025 consists of over 7,100 students selected from nearly 63,000 applications.
What is the current tuition for in-state and out-of-state students at UT?
UT’s tuition rates have remained consistent since 2020, with an academic year cost of approximately $35,502 for in-state students and $54,946 for out-of-state students.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: University of Tennessee Breaks Enrollment Record
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- Knox News: Knoxville Student Apartments Open
- Google Search: Knoxville TN University of Tennessee enrollment
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Common Application Deadlines
- Google Scholar: University of Tennessee
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Budget News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Tennessee
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