Knoxville, Tennessee, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee System has reached a record high of 64,866 students for fall, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year and a significant milestone in its growth strategy. With a focus on affordability and student outcomes, campus-specific enrollment also shows promising trends. Leaders are confident in exceeding their target of 71,000 students by 2030, indicating a bright future for the university system.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — The University of Tennessee System has posted a record enrollment of 64,866 students for fall 2025, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the previous year. This boost in enrollment is a significant milestone, showcasing a 20.2% growth over the past five years. The UT System is on track to exceed its goal of 71,000 students by 2030.
UT System President Randy Boyd announced that the factors contributing to this growth include affordability, opportunities, and student outcomes. Following the announcement, it was emphasized that this growth marks the beginning of what could be deemed the “greatest decade in UT history.”
Enrollment Breakdown by Campus
Across individual campuses within the UT System, the following enrollment figures have been reported for fall 2025:
- UT Knoxville: 40,421 students (up 4.4%)
- First-year retention rate: 92.4% (up from 91.9%)
- New transfers: More than 1,700 (1,100+ from in-state)
- Four-year graduation rate: 67% (record high, up 5.4%)
- UT Chattanooga: 12,060 students (up 2.4%)
- First-year retention rate: 73.4% (up from 71.9%)
- New transfers: 733 (up 4.7%)
- Graduate students: Record 1,664 (up 6%)
- UT Southern: 1,132 students (up 8.2%)
- First-year retention rate: 76.6% (down from 77.2%)
- New transfers: 163 (up 44.2%)
- Graduate students: 41 (up 20.6%)
- UT Martin: 8,096 students (up 8%)
- First-year retention rate: 75.2% (down from 77.0%)
- New transfers: 385 (up 0.3%)
- Graduate students: 708 (up 2.6%)
- UT Health Science Center: 3,157 students (up 1.8%)
- New student enrollment: 1,023 (3% increase over Fall 2024)
- Retention rate: 95%
Future Goals and Developments
UT Chattanooga has set a target enrollment of 15,000 students by 2030. This commitment reflects the university’s focus on community engagement, resources, and student support. Meanwhile, Chancellor Melinda Arnold of UT Southern pointed to the personalized experience at her campus as a driving force in enrollment growth.
Chancellor Peter Buckley of UT Health Science Center attributed the rise in enrollment to the quality of education and practical experiences offered at the institution. Additionally, the Board of Trustees discussed the substantial progress in enrollment growth alongside nearly $500 million in donations received during the last fiscal year.
Ongoing and Future Projects
Plans for new developments include acquiring an $800,000 property for Greek Life housing and a new $165.5 million Chemistry Building. Other significant projects are the renovation of the Food Science Building and a carousel theatre in the theatre department named in honor of Boyd’s wife, Jenny.
Conclusion
The University of Tennessee System is experiencing unprecedented growth, positioning itself as a prominent educational institution that not only meets the needs of its current students but also plans for an expansive future. Efforts to enhance student opportunities and improve graduation rates continue to play a crucial role in the UT System’s success story.
FAQ
What is the enrollment number for the University of Tennessee System in Fall 2025?
The University of Tennessee System has recorded an overall enrollment of 64,866 students for Fall 2025.
What are the enrollment figures for individual campuses?
Total enrollment across individual campuses for Fall 2025 includes: UT Knoxville: 40,421 students, UT Chattanooga: 12,060 students, UT Southern: 1,132 students, UT Martin: 8,096 students, and UT Health Science Center: 3,157 students.
What is the future enrollment goal for the UT System?
The UT System is on track to surpass its 2030 goal of 71,000 students.
What major projects are planned for the future?
Future projects include the acquisition of an $800,000 property for Greek Life housing and the construction of a new $165.5 million Chemistry Building.
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Key Features of Enrollment Growth
| Campus | Total Enrollment (Fall 2025) | Growth Rate | First-Year Retention Rate | New Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Knoxville | 40,421 | 4.4% | 92.4% | 1,700+ |
| UT Chattanooga | 12,060 | 2.4% | 73.4% | 733 |
| UT Southern | 1,132 | 8.2% | 76.6% | 163 |
| UT Martin | 8,096 | 8% | 75.2% | 385 |
| UT Health Science Center | 3,157 | 1.8% | 95% | 1,023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Knox County Schools Celebrate Top Rankings in Tennessee
Record Enrollment at University of Tennessee as Classes Resume
Additional Resources
- WBIR: UT Receives Almost $500M in Donations
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- WATE: UT Begins Fall Semester with Record Enrollment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- Knox News: UT Breaks Enrollment Record
- Google Search: University of Tennessee enrollment 2025
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
