University of Tennessee, Knoxville Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Tennessee state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~34% overall (Class of 2028)
- In-State Acceptance: ~65% • Out-of-State: ~27%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1200–1370
- Average HS GPA: ~3.9 (UT Weighted Core GPA)
Sources: University of Tennessee Common Data Set 2024–25, Class of 2028 profile, and Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UT Knoxville at a Glance
Last verified: October 14, 2025
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has become one of the most competitive public flagships in the South—especially for out-of-state applicants. Strong academics and a mix of automatic and competitive scholarships make it a solid value for high-achieving students.
This guide explains how UTK’s merit system works, what ACT/SAT and GPA ranges typically qualify, and how Tennessee residents can stack state programs like HOPE and GAMS with institutional aid to cut total costs.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. UT Knoxville is test-optional through Fall 2026, though scores are still used for scholarship consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 25–31 • SAT 1200–1370 (Common Data Set 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $22,398 (College Scorecard 2025).
Does UTK offer tuition reciprocity? Yes — border-state tuition discounts and Academic Common Market participation apply for select majors.
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/in-state-volunteer-scholarship/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/orange-white-scholarship/
https://onestop.utk.edu/billing-payments/cost-of-attending-ut-undergraduate-student/
https://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate-application/test-score-policy/
https://tennessee.edu/academics/affordability/ut-promise-scholarship/how-to-apply/
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/221759/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville/tuition/
https://www.meetyourclass.com/utk/cost
https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/university-of-tennessee-acceptance-rate
https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/University-of-Tennessee-admission-requirements
https://www.reddit.com/r/UTK/comments/1ggh36p/one_admissions_post_to_end_them_all/
https://www.myscholarhq.com/utk-scholarships-2025-2/
https://admissions.utk.edu/fall-2025-release-summary/
https://collegefortn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ACM-Materials-for-Students_2023.pdf
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2025–2026)
The table below shows direct, billed costs only—tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals—for a full-time undergraduate living on campus in Knoxville. These numbers reflect the University of Tennessee’s published 2025–2026 estimates.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $13,812 | $33,256 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,594 | $13,594 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $27,406 | $46,850 |
Why only these items? This table includes what students actually pay to UT Knoxville—tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus room and board. Other indirect costs like books (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,100–$3,300), and personal expenses (~$3,000) are not billed by the university and will vary by student.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
The average net price after scholarships and grants varies by family income and aid. Learn how Net Price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) impact your family’s actual cost in our guide: Net Price & SAI explained. You can also estimate your cost using UT’s Net Price Calculator.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Eligible students from participating SREB states can pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state.
- Volunteer/Orange/Flagship Scholarships: High-achieving out-of-state students can receive large automatic awards that substantially reduce the non-resident rate.
- Military & Veteran Benefits: Active-duty military, veterans, and dependents may qualify for in-state classification under federal law.
👉 Tennessee State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding UT Knoxville Costs
Why is out-of-state tuition so high?
Like most public universities, UT charges non-residents the full cost of instruction because they don’t pay Tennessee state taxes. The out-of-state tuition adds roughly $19,000 per year compared to in-state rates.
Can out-of-state students reduce their costs?
Yes. UT offers several scholarships—Volunteer, Orange, and Flagship—that automatically reduce the non-resident portion of tuition for strong applicants. Students from Academic Common Market states can also qualify for in-state rates in approved majors.
What’s the main difference between “direct” and “indirect” costs?
Direct costs (tuition, housing, and meals) are billed by UT and appear on the student account. Indirect costs—like books, transportation, and personal expenses—are estimates for planning and aren’t paid directly to the university.
How accurate are the housing and meal figures?
The $13,594 estimate uses a mid-range double room and standard dining plan. Actual totals vary by residence hall, room type, and whether the student lives off campus or commutes.
What does “average net price” mean here?
It’s the average amount families pay after scholarships and grants are applied. It’s not a bill—just a national benchmark showing that aid significantly lowers the real out-of-pocket cost.
Do Tennessee state scholarships stack with UT awards?
Yes. The HOPE, Aspire, and GAMS programs can combine with UT’s automatic or competitive scholarships, reducing costs even further for in-state students.
Do military families automatically get in-state tuition?
In most cases, yes. Active-duty service members, veterans, and dependents using federal education benefits are classified as in-state under Tennessee law.
When should families submit the FAFSA?
Complete the FAFSA by February 15 for priority consideration and to ensure eligibility for both UT and Tennessee state aid programs.
https://onestop.utk.edu/billing-payments/cost-of-attending-ut-undergraduate-student/
https://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate-tuition-aid/
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/221759/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville/tuition/
https://dining.utk.edu/choose-your-meal-plan/
https://dining.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Meal-Plan-Brohure_2024-2025-2-compressed.pdf
https://www.meetyourclass.com/utk/cost
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-tennessee-knoxville/tuition-and-costs
https://catalog.utk.edu/content.php?catoid=11&navoid=967
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (with Tests) | Eligibility (Test-Optional) | Separate App? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential | $11,000 / year | GPA ≥ 3.8 + ACT 34–36 (SAT 1490–1600, superscore) | N/A | No | Top admitted students (only a small share qualify) | Jan 15 |
| Founders | $9,000 / year | GPA ≥ 3.8 + ACT 30–33 (SAT 1360–1480) | N/A | No | High GPA and near-top test scorers | Jan 15 |
| Charter | $7,000 / year | GPA ≥ 3.8 + ACT 28–29 (SAT 1300–1350) | N/A | No | Solid academics, mid-high testers | Jan 15 |
| Heritage | $5,000 / year | GPA ≥ 3.8 + ACT 26–27 (SAT 1230–1290) | N/A | No | Students above average but not in top testing tiers | Jan 15 |
Note: GPA and test cutoffs are approximate and based on UTK’s published criteria plus past student data. Exact thresholds can shift depending on the applicant pool and funding for that year.
Automatic Merit FAQs
When is the deadline to qualify for these automatic merit awards?
To be considered for automatic merit, your complete application (including self-reported test scores if applicable) must be submitted by January 15.
Is the GPA weighted or unweighted?
UTK uses your weighted core GPA when reviewing eligibility for merit awards.
Does UTK superscore ACT/SAT scores for these awards?
Yes — UTK superscores both ACT and SAT, using your highest section scores across test dates.
What if I apply test-optional?
The automatic merit chart lists no “Test-Optional” eligibility. These awards currently require submitted test scores.
Do the cutoffs change each year?
Yes. GPA and test cutoffs are approximate and can shift annually depending on funding and applicant strength.
Do I need to apply separately for these?
No — these are automatic and based on your admission application.
Who typically earns them?
The highest tiers (like Presidential) go to top admitted students with strong GPAs and test scores; mid-tier awards recognize high academic consistency.
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/in-state-volunteer-scholarship/
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-tennessee-knoxville-scholarships/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/out-of-state-volunteer-scholarship/
https://www.myscholarhq.com/utk-scholarships-2025-2/
https://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate-application/test-score-policy/
https://www.reddit.com/r/UTK/comments/1ggh36p/one_admissions_post_to_end_them_all/
https://www.fastweb.com/directory/college/the-university-of-tennessee-scholarships
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships) — University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haslam Scholars Program | Full tuition + study abroad + $5,000 enrichment | Top 1–2% of applicants; requires separate essays, résumé, and interview | Yes | Yes | Extremely selective (about 15–20 students nationwide each year) | Nov 1 |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | $5,000–$10,000 per year | Top 10% of class; 30+ ACT or equivalent; strong leadership and service | Yes | Yes | High achievers with compelling essays and recommendations | Nov 1 |
| Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship | Full in-state tuition and fees | Awarded to one student per Tennessee county based on academic merit and leadership | Yes | Yes | Varies by county; competition depends on applicant pool strength | Nov 1 |
| Global Ambassador Scholarship | $10,000–$15,000 per year | International students with GPA 3.0+ and strong campus involvement | Yes | Yes | International applicants with leadership and service backgrounds | May 1 |
| Provost Scholarship | $2,000 per year | Strong academics; automatically awarded to top students | No | Yes | Common among strong applicants; typically stacks with Volunteer awards | Dec 15 |
| Tri-Star Scholarship (Tennessee Explore) | Covers full tuition and fees (with HOPE) | Tennessee residents who meet HOPE + income or GPA criteria | No | Yes | Broadly awarded to in-state students who meet state aid qualifications | Dec 15 |
| UT Promise / Pledge | Covers remaining tuition + housing + meal offset (after aid) | In-state Pell-eligible students; family income under $75,000 | No | Yes | Low-income Tennessee residents who meet academic and FAFSA requirements | Dec 15 (FAFSA required) |
Note: The Haslam Scholars Program is the only award approaching a full-ride package. Other competitive awards mainly reduce tuition and fees, while housing and personal expenses typically require additional aid or savings.
Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does UT Knoxville superscore ACT and SAT results?
Yes. UTK uses superscores for both automatic and competitive scholarship consideration.
Is the Haslam Scholars Program a full ride?
It covers tuition, fees, a $5,000 enrichment stipend, and a study abroad experience, but students are still responsible for housing and meal costs.
Can these scholarships stack with Volunteer or automatic awards?
Sometimes. Haslam and Chancellor’s may replace automatic awards, while smaller awards (like Provost or Tri-Star) can often stack.
How selective are the top scholarships?
Haslam is highly selective with roughly 15–20 recipients each year. Chancellor’s and Distinguished Tennessean are more common but still competitive. Applying early and submitting strong essays and recommendations improves your chances.
Where can students get help with essays and applications?
Explore the Essay Toolkit for examples and strategies, and use the Brag Sheet Builder to highlight leadership, service, and academic strengths.
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/honors/hals-25-26-program-of-studies/
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/2025/05/28/haslam-leadership-scholars-welcomes-14-new-scholars/
https://news.utk.edu/2025/05/22/haslam-leadership-scholars-to-welcome-14-first-year-students/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/chancellors-scholarships/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/distinguished-tennessean-award/
https://news.utk.edu/2025/05/30/ut-awards-95-distinguished-tennessean-scholarships-to-high-school-seniors/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/global-ambassador-scholarship/
https://mucuruzi.com/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville-global-ambassador-scholarship-2024-deadline-1-may-2024/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/provost-scholarship/
https://onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/ut-tri-star/
https://news.utk.edu/2024/09/20/uts-flagship-scholarship-expands-to-14-new-tennessee-high-schools/
https://tennessee.edu/academics/affordability/ut-promise-scholarship/
https://tennessee.edu/academics/affordability/ut-promise-scholarship/how-to-apply/
https://giving.utk.edu/scholarships/
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/honors/fall-2025-university-honors-releaselease-summary/
🎓 UT Knoxville — Honors & Scholars
UTK’s honors umbrella is called Honors & Scholars and includes the flagship Haslam Scholars Program plus the 1794 Scholars Program and the Honors Leadership Program. Students apply for honors on the UT application and complete short program essays.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haslam Scholars Program (HSP) | Full in-state tuition & fees + study abroad + $5,000 enrichment (package) | Top academics; leadership/service; essays & interview | Yes | Yes (4 yrs; maintain standing) | National cohort of ~15–20 students with 3.9+ rigor; ACT 33+/SAT 1490+ typical; standout leadership/story | Nov 1 (materials/interviews follow) |
| University Honors Grants (available to 1794 & HLP too) | $500–$1,500 (research, travel, conferences) | Current UT honors student in good standing; approved proposal | Yes (short app) | No (one-time per project) | Motivated honors students tying funds to capstone, study abroad, or national presentations | Varies by cycle |
| 1794 Scholars Program (perks program) | Perks + access to grants (no built-in stipend) | High-achieving admits seeking seminar community; essays required | Yes | Yes (perks continue with standing) | Admits with strong GPA/rigor; leadership/service help; many Tennessee residents | Nov 1 priority |
| Honors Leadership Program (HLP) (perks program) | Perks + access to grants (no built-in stipend) | Applicants focused on leadership & civic impact; essays & résumé | Yes | Yes (perks continue with standing) | Students with sustained leadership (SGA, NHS, service orgs) and reflective essays | Nov 1 priority |
Deadline notes: Apply to UT by November 1 to be considered for Honors & Scholars programs. Haslam requires program-specific materials and interviews. Honors grants are offered throughout the year on rolling cycles.
Honors — FAQs (UT Knoxville)
How do I apply to UT Honors & Scholars?
Indicate interest on the UT application and complete the short program essays by the Nov 1 priority date. Some applicants may later be invited to submit additional materials or interview (Haslam).
Is test-optional okay for Honors?
Yes. Honors & Scholars uses a holistic review; strong coursework, essays, leadership, and service matter. Submitted scores (if any) are considered in context.
Do 1794 or HLP include scholarships?
No built-in stipend. They provide perks (small seminars, priority registration, housing options) and access to University Honors Grants for research/travel with an approved proposal.
What makes a competitive Haslam applicant?
A nationally competitive academic profile with rigorous coursework, meaningful leadership or service, compelling essays, and—if submitted—ACT 33+/SAT 1490+ scores. Finalists are invited to interview.
Can I apply to multiple programs?
Yes. One Honors & Scholars application covers Haslam, 1794, and HLP. Reviewers determine fit across programs.
What if I’m not admitted to Honors?
UT offers strong research and leadership opportunities outside Honors; students can also reapply after the first year with a solid UT GPA.
https://catalog.utk.edu/content.php?catoid=22&navoid=2870
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/honors/fall-2025-university-honors-release-summary/
https://catalog.utk.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1315
https://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=32&poid=15476
https://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=24&poid=10747
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/urf/faculty/funding/urf-group-travel-grants/
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/urf/getting-started/share/travel-grants/
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/honors/
https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/honors/haslam-scholars-program__trashed/program-experience/
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/competitive-scholarships-and-honors-programs-2022/1959466?page=2
https://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=43&poid=25885&returnurnto=8267
⭐ What UT Knoxville Is Known For
UT Knoxville is a proud R1 research university — meaning “very high research activity” — a distinction it’s held since 1973. It consistently ranks among the best public institutions in the Southeast and beyond.
UT’s graduate supply chain program is ranked #1 in North America, and the undergraduate version is #2 in North America — a school-wide standout.
Other standout programs include:
- Engineering (Tennessee Engineering doctoral departments) — strong reputation, ranked in top 70 among U.S. undergraduate engineering schools.
- Nuclear Engineering (College of Engineering) — nationally ranked #3 in the U.S. and #2 among public universities.
- Law – Advocacy Clinic — one of the longest-running in the nation, ranked #10 among public schools.
- Clinical Programs in Nursing, Communication & Education — recognized among the nation’s best graduate offerings.
- Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences — UT’s Institute of Agriculture includes hands-on experiences like the UT Creamery and real-world labs.
- Athletics — Vols have national presence across sports: Women’s basketball, baseball (2024 champion), and softball regularly compete on the biggest stages.