💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Tennessee–Martin 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$10,864 |
$16,904 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$9,584 |
$9,584 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$20,448 |
$26,488 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,299 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Waivers:
•
Kentucky Border County Waiver: Residents of Fulton, Hickman, or Graves Counties pay
in-state rates instead of out-of-state — a savings of about $6,000/year.
•
Academic Common Market (ACM): UT Martin participates in the
ACM program, which allows out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition if their major isn’t offered in their home state.
Example: A Kentucky student from Graves County saves about $6,000/year on tuition with the border waiver. An out-of-state student in an ACM-approved major pays the in-state $10,864 instead of $16,904 — again about $6,000/year in savings.
FAQ
Who qualifies? Border-county residents in KY qualify automatically. ACM eligibility depends on your home state and chosen major.
How much can you save? Around $6,000 per year — the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
Do you need to apply? Border-county waivers are automatic with proof of residency. ACM requires an application through your state’s higher-ed agency and approval from UT Martin.
Sources:
UT Martin Tuition & Costs – https://www.utm.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid-and-scholarships/tuition-and-costs.php (Tier 1)
UT Martin Financial Aid & Scholarships – https://www.utm.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships.php (Tier 1)
UT Martin Border County Waiver (KY residents) – https://www.utm.edu/admissions-and-aid/out-of-state-students.php (Tier 1)
Academic Common Market (UT System info) – https://www.utm.edu/admissions-and-aid/out-of-state-students.php (Tier 1)
College Scorecard (Average Net Price $10,299) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?221768-The-University-of-Tennessee-Martin (Tier 2)
BigFuture (Archived COA & Net Price comparison $11,151) – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-tennessee-at-martin/tuition-and-costs (Tier 2)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Chancellor's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: Award notifications begin rolling out in December for qualified applicants who have completed their admission file.
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1260 SAT👥 ~Merit-based and limited; awarded to qualifying freshmen as long as scholarship funds remain. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
UT Martin awards only one institutional freshman merit scholarship per student — the Chancellor's is the top tier, so if you qualify here, this is your award. It does stack beautifully with TN HOPE, Pell, and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance. Out-of-state recipients also receive a waiver covering OOS fees (worth an estimated $6,040/year) — that's a massive bonus on top of the $4,000 cash award. Chancellor's recipients also unlock a one-time $2,500 travel-study stipend usable at any point during enrollment.
💡
Strategic Detail
UT Martin's top automatic merit award for incoming freshmen: $4,000 per year for up to four years, plus a one-time $2,500 travel-study stipend and an OOS fee waiver for out-of-state students. Awarded automatically at admission to students meeting the ACT 27+ / SAT 1260+ merit band by the February 1 priority deadline. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA and full-time enrollment each spring. Chancellor's Scholars are also eligible and encouraged to enroll in Honors-designated course sections and to apply to the University Scholars Program for additional honors funding.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who walk in with at least an ACT 27 (superscored) or SAT 1260 and a solid GPA are automatically in the running. Apply early — awards roll out starting in December and funds are limited. If your scores are close, submit multiple test attempts so UTM can build the best superscore on your behalf.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: Award notifications begin rolling out in December and continue as files are completed and reviewed.
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1100 SAT👥 ~Awarded as funds are available to eligible freshmen each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
UT Martin awards only one institutional freshman merit scholarship per student — the Dean's is the second-highest tier. It stacks freely with TN HOPE, Pell, and outside scholarships. Out-of-state students who qualify for the Dean's Scholarship also automatically receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship, which covers the OOS fee differential — a significant add-on for students coming from outside Tennessee.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Dean's Scholarship at $3,000 per year is UT Martin's second-tier automatic merit award for new freshmen in the ACT 22–35 / SAT 1100–1530 band, effective for the fall 2026 cohort (updated from the prior $2,000/year level for students entering fall 2024 and later). Out-of-state recipients receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship in addition to this award. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA and full-time enrollment each spring for up to four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen with an ACT 22–26 (superscored) or SAT 1100–1259 who apply by February 1. If your scores land just below the Chancellor's threshold, the Dean's Scholarship at $3,000/year is still a meaningful automatic award worth pursuing — and it pairs with Voyager for OOS students.
Automatic
Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: Rolling notifications after December for qualified applicants.
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT👥 ~Limited by annual merit budget; awarded while funds remain. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
UT Martin awards only one institutional freshman merit scholarship per student. The Excellence Scholarship stacks freely with TN HOPE, Pell, and private outside scholarships. Out-of-state students who qualify for Excellence also automatically receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship to help offset the OOS fee differential.
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Strategic Detail
UT Martin's Excellence Scholarship is $2,000 per year (up to $8,000 over four years) for new freshmen meeting the third-tier merit band on the 2026 chart. Earlier cohorts may remain at the prior $1,500/year level. Out-of-state recipients receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship in addition. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA at the end of each spring semester and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mid-range freshmen with an ACT around 22 and a GPA meeting the Excellence band who complete their admission file on time. At $2,000/year ($8,000 over four years), this automatic award provides meaningful leverage for students in the middle of UT Martin's merit chart — especially when layered with HOPE and Pell.
Automatic
Achieve Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: Awards begin after December and continue on a rolling basis while funds remain.
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~990 SAT👥 ~Subject to annual funding; awarded as funds are available. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
UT Martin awards only one institutional freshman merit scholarship per student. The Achieve Scholarship stacks with TN HOPE, Pell, and outside private scholarships up to cost of attendance. Out-of-state students who receive the Achieve Scholarship also automatically receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
UT Martin's entry-level automatic merit award at $1,000 per year for new freshmen in the ACT 19–21 / SAT 990–1099 band for fall 2026. The Achieve Scholarship band spans ACT 19–27 / SAT 990–1260 across all four automatic tiers, with students placed into the highest tier their credentials qualify them for. Out-of-state recipients receive the Voyager Out-of-State Scholarship in addition. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA at the end of each spring semester and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-time freshmen with at least an ACT 19 (superscored) or SAT 990 and a solid GPA who apply by the February 1 priority date. Even at $1,000/year, this is $4,000 of guaranteed institutional money that requires zero additional paperwork — an easy win for students on UT Martin's lower merit band.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
UT Martin superscores ACT for merit. Merit is automatic for qualified applicants. Scholarships stack with state/federal aid, but only one UTM merit award may be received per student (Voyager waiver stacks for those eligible). Out-of-state students who qualify for a merit award automatically receive the Voyager waiver unless receiving a Chancellor’s Scholarship (covers full out-of-state fee).
*Amounts and bands above are as of the Fall cohort. Award programs, deadlines, and requirements are subject to funding and annual university approval. Always verify in your official award letter.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No — all merit scholarships are automatic with timely admission. Apply by February 1 for strongest consideration.
Does UT Martin superscore? Yes — eligibility is based on your highest section scores across ACT attempts.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes, with HOPE, UT Promise, Pell/TSAA, and outside scholarships. Voyager (out-of-state fee waiver) is applied automatically for those eligible, unless covered by Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Are these renewable? Yes — 2.75 GPA and continuous full-time enrollment.
Sources:
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.utm.edu/offices-and-services/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/freshman-scholarships.php
https://catalog.utm.edu/
https://www.utm.edu/academics/university-honors-programs.php
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive, limited slots)
These are the university’s top, selective (competitive) awards that usually require extra steps beyond admission (essays, interviews, portfolios) and have limited numbers. They are different from automatic merit listed above.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
UT Martin’s University Scholars Program is the primary university-level competitive/flagship scholarship. It is highly selective, requires a separate application, and stacks with the Chancellor’s Scholarship. All other major awards are automatic or department/honors-specific.
FAQ
What’s the difference between automatic merit and flagship (competitive) scholarships? Automatic merit is awarded with admission when you meet GPA/test criteria. Flagship scholarships are selective, require extra application/interview, and offer enhanced funding and programming.
Can flagship (competitive) awards stack with automatic merit? Yes—the University Scholars Program stacks with the Chancellor’s Scholarship for a combined total of $6,500/year. Departmental and donor funds may also stack up to the Cost of Attendance.
When are applications due? Priority deadline is February 1. Early application maximizes chances for selection and best possible merit offers.
Sources:
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.utm.edu/honors-program/scholars.php
https://catalog.utm.edu/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t headline awards, but they can meaningfully reduce net price—especially when stacked with HOPE, UT Promise, or UTM merit aid.
Automatic⚠ Graduate Only
Access & Diversity Awards (Graduate)
📅 Deadline: Varies by graduate program and term; awards are typically made on a semester or annual cycle.
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited pool determined by institutional diversity funding each year. winners/yr🎓 Graduate
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards may be combined with assistantships and other aid up to cost of attendance; continued funding depends on academic good standing and program nomination.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP summary and UTM financial aid information indicate that Access & Diversity awards for graduate students are institutionally funded, vary in amount, and are often applied as partial tuition and fee waivers for students who enhance diversity in their programs; awards are generally coordinator-nominated rather than student-applied.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Graduate students from underrepresented or diverse backgrounds, often including first-generation students, who are nominated by their academic programs.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: National high school scholarship boards meet in the fall and winter prior to college entry; campus-based awards follow ROTC timelines.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_or_room_and_board_plus_stipends
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Number of scholarships varies annually based on Army allocations and campus decisions. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC scholarships can cover full tuition and fees or be applied to room and board, plus provide a book stipend and monthly living stipend; they can often be combined with institutional and external scholarships up to cost of attendance, but some institutional tuition awards may be adjusted when ROTC pays tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the national Army ROTC scholarship application or apply for a campus-based ROTC scholarship, complete required medical and fitness assessments, and participate in an interview with ROTC staff.
Selection criteria: Army boards assess academic record, leadership, physical fitness, interview performance, and overall officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
CRP summary reflects typical Army ROTC benefits at institutions like UT Martin, where contracted scholarship cadets can choose tuition-and-fee coverage or room-and-board benefits and receive book and monthly stipends; specific award structures and coordination with UT Martin aid are handled by the campus ROTC office.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who meet Army academic, medical, and physical fitness standards, demonstrate leadership potential, and commit to commissioning as Army officers after graduation.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Dunham Scholars
📅 Deadline: February 1 (College of Business scholarship application deadline)
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of Dunham Scholars chosen annually based on available endowment income. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
College of Business donor-funded award that can stack with institutional merit and other scholarships up to cost of attendance, provided the recipient continues to meet GPA and major requirements.
📄
How to Apply
Upper-level Accounting and Business/Consumer Services majors apply through the College of Business scholarship portal by the February 1 deadline.
Selection criteria: Competitive departmental review weighing GPA, progress in the major, leadership or service, and fit with donor intent.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
CRP summary notes that Dunham Scholars awards are not widely publicized in exact amounts but are typically around $4,000 per year for strong upper-division business-related majors; eligibility includes at least junior standing in Accounting or related programs and a 3.5+ GPA, with selection through the College of Business scholarship portal.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving upperclass Accounting or Business/Consumer Services majors with GPAs of 3.5 or higher and strong departmental engagement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Travel Awards
📅 Deadline: Typically 3–9 months before departure, with specific deadlines varying by travel-study term and program.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Number and size of awards depend on annual funding and number of applicants. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time awards that can be combined with institutional scholarships, Pell, and other aid to offset program, airfare, or in-country costs; students may receive more than one award across different terms at the discretion of committees.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be accepted into an approved UT Martin study abroad or travel-study program, then submit the travel-study scholarship or grant application through the Center for Global Education by the posted deadlines.
Selection criteria: Committee review based on academic merit, quality of the proposed experience, and in many cases financial circumstances and demonstrated motivation for international study.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UT Martin’s Center for Global Education describes competitive travel-study and study abroad scholarships and grants, often ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, awarded by a committee to help cover transportation and program-related expenses for approved UTM programs.
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Who Actually Wins
Full-time students who are approved for UT Martin study abroad or travel-study programs and submit strong applications explaining their academic goals and financial need for travel support.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Award amounts and eligibility rules above use the most recent official UTM documentation. Values and deadlines may shift year to year; always verify with the office listed in your official offer or department award letter.
- Music and Fine Arts Scholarships — audition/service based; amounts vary, see departmental sites.
- Leadership/Student Organizations — many campus clubs and Greek orgs offer small donor awards; check org and campus portals.
Amounts and stacking may change with budget and legislative updates. Always verify with the UTM scholarship office.
FAQ
Can UT Promise stack with HOPE and institutional aid? Yes—UT Promise acts as a last-dollar tuition/fee program after all other aid is applied, covering the gap for in-state tuition/fees (but not room, board, or books).
How do I maximize state/institutional aid? File the FAFSA every year, keep up on merit renewal rules, and apply to all eligible programs before Feb 1.
What’s required for ROTC and study abroad? ROTC includes military/fitness and post-graduation service; study abroad/aid requires a separate application, and planning ahead for deadlines, essays, and faculty references is strongly encouraged.
Sources:
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.utm.edu/offices-and-services/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
https://www.utm.edu/financial-aid/federal-work-study.php
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/ut-promise.php
https://www.utm.edu/travel-study/
https://www.utm.edu/academics/business.php
https://catalog.utm.edu/
🎖️ Honors College
UT Martin’s Honors Programs allow high-achieving students to engage deeply in their studies through seminar courses, close faculty mentorship, and research experiences. Students apply via a separate process and, if invited, participate in an interview to join the University Scholars Program. The curriculum is designed to enrich your degree—not add extra semesters.
What a Typical UT Martin Honors Student Looks Like:
• High school GPA around 3.7–4.0
• ACT scores in the high 20s (no official minimum published)
• Strong record of leadership and service
• Willing to participate in interviews and discussion-based coursework
*UTM does not publish strict cutoffs, but the typical class profile is highly selective.
Perks of the Honors Program:
• Priority registration and small seminar classes
• Mentored research and unique undergraduate projects
• Honors residence hall and leadership opportunities
• Honors thesis or capstone for advanced students
• Additional research and travel/conference funding available via university programs
App Required
University Scholars Award
📅 Deadline: December 19 · 📢 Results: Interview invitations extended by January 16; final offers made by mid-March following campus interview days.
✓ Renews (3.3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1260 SAT👥 ~Approximately 30 new University Scholars are selected each year, with a total program cap of 120 students. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks directly on top of the Chancellor's Scholarship for a combined institutional total of $6,500/year ($26,000 over four years). Renewal GPA requirements escalate annually: 3.3 as a freshman, 3.4 as a sophomore, 3.5 as a junior and senior. Students must also remain active in the University Scholars Organization, complete at least 15 service hours per semester, participate in four cultural activities per year, and maintain satisfactory progress through the 10-credit-hour University Scholars curriculum.
📄
How to Apply
Step 1: Earn the Chancellor's Scholarship through your admission application by February 1. Step 2: Complete the University Scholars Program application — including a personal statement describing your educational objectives and why you want to participate — by December 19 for priority consideration. Step 3: If selected by the Honors Council, you'll receive an invitation to an on-campus interview and tour no later than January 16. Step 4: Final offers are extended to the Class of 2030 by mid-March following interviews.
Selection criteria: Holistic review by the Honors Council emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, service record, quality of the personal statement, and interview performance. Finalists are evaluated on their potential to thrive in an intensive honors cohort with significant curricular and co-curricular obligations.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
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Strategic Detail
UT Martin's University Scholars Program is an intensive honors cohort exclusively for Chancellor's Scholarship recipients. The University Scholars Award provides an additional $2,500/year on top of the Chancellor's Scholarship for a combined $6,500/year in institutional funding. The application deadline for priority consideration is December 19, with interview invitations extended by January 16 and final offers by mid-March. The program admits approximately 30 new scholars per year (total cap of 120). Continuation requires escalating GPA benchmarks (3.3 freshman, 3.4 sophomore, 3.5 junior/senior), active participation in service and cultural programming, and completion of the 10-credit University Scholars curriculum. Graduates earn the distinction of 'University Scholar' on their transcript.
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Who Actually Wins
Roughly 30 students per incoming class — the kind of applicants who already qualified for the Chancellor's Scholarship and then go the extra mile with a compelling personal statement and a strong in-person interview. Honors councils look for genuine intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and a clear sense of purpose — not just high test scores. The program caps at 120 students total, so seats are genuinely limited.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients may apply as rising sophomores. Scholarship stacks with Chancellor’s for up to $6,500/year total.
- Additional Support: Honors students are especially competitive for undergraduate travel/conference grants and advanced research stipends.
FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—students must apply and interview. Thirty are chosen each incoming year for a program cap of 120.
Does Honors add extra time to graduation? No—curriculum replaces core courses and is designed for a four-year (or five with double major) plan.
What are typical deadlines? Applications open in fall, with preference given to packets received by December 19 for the next year. Interviews and decisions occur in January–March.
Is there extra scholarship money? Yes—the $2,500 University Scholars Award, which can be combined with the Chancellor’s Scholarship for high-value total support.
Sources:
https://www.utm.edu/honors-program/scholars.php
https://catalog.utm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=399
https://catalog.utm.edu/
https://www.utm.edu/admissions/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
UT Martin has a strong reputation across West Tennessee for preparing graduates who are ready to step directly into careers and community leadership. It’s a smaller public university in the University of Tennessee System, which means students get the resources of a state school but in a more personal setting. Families often choose UTM because it offers affordable pathways in high-demand fields and deep ties to regional employers.
Agriculture & Natural Resources: UT Martin is best known statewide for its agriculture and veterinary technology programs, supported by teaching farms, equine facilities, and strong industry partnerships that set it apart from many other Tennessee campuses.
- Business & Accounting: Accredited by AACSB; regional employers recognize UT Martin’s graduates for practical preparation in accounting and management.
- Education: Long-standing teacher education programs with strong placement rates in Tennessee schools, especially in rural and West Tennessee districts.
- Engineering & Computer Science: ABET-accredited engineering technology and computer science degrees; praised for applied, hands-on learning and job-ready graduates.
- Veterinary Health Technology: One of the few four-year bachelor’s degrees in Veterinary Technology offered in Tennessee, drawing statewide interest.
Final Thoughts
UT Martin is one of those schools that can surprise families with how affordable it becomes once state aid, UT Promise, and automatic scholarships stack together. For Tennessee residents, the combination of HOPE and UT Promise often drives tuition and fees close to zero. Out-of-state students may find strong value through the border-county waiver or Academic Common Market. And for high-achievers, the Honors Program adds an extra layer of challenge, mentorship, and community. If you’re a parent helping your student weigh options, UT Martin deserves a close look for both cost and opportunity.
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