Founded in Knoxville in 1794 as Blount College, the institution that would become the University of Tennessee began as a struggling higher education institution with a small student body and faculty. Rev. Samuel Carrick served as its first president, forming the first academic programs from the seminary courses once taught from his home.
We embody excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement.
11 Colleges
900+ Programs of study
360+ Undergraduate programs of study
547 Graduate programs of study
300 Study abroad programs
Academic calendar Semesters
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is an R1 research university where students and faculty contribute to research with real-world impact.
UT research spans areas including nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, health, sustainability, and advanced technologies. The university also collaborates with organizations such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and hands-on experience.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville prepares students for successful careers through academic and career development resources. The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration provides guidance on career planning, resumes, interviews, networking, internships, graduate school preparation, and job searches. Students can access career fairs, employer events, internships, and job opportunities through Handshake, connecting them with employers across a wide range of industries and fields.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville provides comprehensive student support through offices and services focused on academic progress, enrollment, financial aid, and student success. One Stop Student Services assists students with enrollment, academic records, registration, financial aid, scholarships, billing, and payments. Students can also access academic advising, the Registrar, Bursar, Center for Financial Wellness, and Graduate School resources.
Choosing where to live is an important aspect of university life. University Housing is committed to assisting students as they select the residential environment that will enhance their overall university experience. We acknowledge that students may have specific accommodation requests or needs. Therefore, it is important that you contact University Housing as soon as possible. We will consult with you regarding available options. Please be specific and communicate all of your specific needs or requests.
The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries’ collections and many unique services. Research assistance and technology services are available almost all hours of the week in the student-centric Commons
The OIT Help Desk provides information and support for computer and network services managed by OIT (for instance device support, email, password resets). You can also check out a laptop, learn how to use a media lab called The Studio, check out cameras, use media workstations, watch a video for class, get help using one of the library’s many databases, and ask reference questions.
The Student Health Center believes every person should be able to reach their health potential. The cost of all Student Health Center visits is covered by each semester’s health fee. However, if you receive any of the following services, including all lab work, immunizations, injections, x-rays, and durable medical goods there will be additional, nominal charges associated with your visit.
Our campus is just a short walk or trolley ride away from downtown Knoxville, a thriving modern city with small town charm. UT is also perfectly situated for outdoor adventure: our front yard is the Tennessee River, and our backyard is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
University Housing is much more than a bed, a desk, and a roof over your head. We provide safe, comfortable spaces you’ll be happy to call home during your time at UT—spaces where you’ll sleep, eat, study, play, discover friends, and make great memories—but that’s just the beginning.
The Tennessee Recreation Center for Students (TRECS) boasts four basketball courts and a 1/7th-mile indoor circular track. The main fitness area includes over 80 pieces of cardiovascular and over 100 strength training stations, which includes a variety of selectorized and free-weight equipment. As part of the cardiovascular selection there are 18 treadmills, 33 elliptical machines along with an in-house entertainment system that allows participants to watch and listen to their favorite TV stations or XM radio as you workout. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, participants can lounge around the pool either on our outdoor patio overlooking the pool or from an upper pool deck connected to the pool.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers more than 550 registered student organizations, giving students opportunities to connect with others, develop leadership skills, and engage with academic, professional, social, and community interests. Students can join organizations related to their major or career goals, participate in social clubs and activities, or create a new organization.
Examples include academic and pre-professional organizations, service groups, cultural organizations, and hobby-based clubs.
Since 1897, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. For questions, contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Dropped 100 places compared to 2025
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 201 | 201 | 301 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
Dropped 94 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 481 | 607 | 701 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | 401 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 245 | 281 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 15 reviews
Its a great university with the access to Oak Ridge National Lab. Here student can do collaborations with ORNL and faculty can secure funding collaborating with ORNL. Most of the PhD program are well organized. Its located near Great Smoky Mountain which is a great place to live.
Not built for my desired industry of investment banking, but you can make it work by doing everything offered. There are tons of clubs, societies, and staff members that will help you get to your desired industry. It is a non-target school, but has excellent resources.
I am glad that I chose to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The staff is available to help students every step of the way, there are many available clubs and extracurriculars to join, and there are many engaging teachers/classes to choose from.
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