The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is set to welcome students to campus this fall as the demand for an education from UT continues to surge. With the largest in-state population for first-year students in university history and retention expected to set a new record at above 91%, more students than ever are seeking out the university’s highly regarded academic programs and distinctive Volunteer experience.
Although enrollment numbers are not final until the 14th day of the semester, the initial count for fall is more than 37,000 new and returning students.
Highlights from the Class of 2028
UT set another record with more than 59,000 first-year applications, including an 11% increase in in-state applications.
- More than 6,700 first-year students are joining UT this fall, with more than 4,300 coming from Tennessee, an in-state increase of 17% from last year’s incoming class.
- First-year students hail from 93 Tennessee counties, 48 states plus the District of Columbia, and 38 countries.
- First-generation college students make up more than 16% of incoming students.
- A record 65 first-year students are becoming Army ROTC cadets.
- 53 first-year students are becoming Air Force ROTC cadets.
“We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2028 to Rocky Top and the start of their college journey,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “From day one of their arrival to the moment they cross the stage at graduation, UT is dedicated to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. We have designed extensive programming to equip all Volunteers with the tools that they need to excel both in and outside the classroom. We are committed to fostering a campus where all thrive.”
More access to scholarships
Students have more access to scholarships and more pathways to a UT education than ever before, giving them the opportunity to pursue degrees that will prepare them for success in the workforce.
- More than 96% of first-year students are receiving some form of scholarship or financial aid, demonstrating UT’s continued investment in college access and affordability.
- The third class of Distinguished Tennessean Scholars will join the Volunteer community this fall. The scholarship, awarded to one student from each Tennessee county, covers full tuition and mandatory fees and is renewable for four years.
- More than 95% of in-state first-year applicants were offered a pathway to an education at UT through programs like the UT Access Collaborative, Verto Vols and Rocky Top Transfer.
Supporting first-year and transfer students
UT is excited to welcome more than 1,400 transfer students this fall. More than 1,100 of those students are coming from Tennessee, an in-state increase of 4.5% from last fall. UT also saw a record in fall transfer applications with more than 5,100, a 9% increase in in-state fall transfer applications.
First-year and transfer students will be greeted with six weeks of programming to ignite their Volunteer spirit. Vol 104: Big Orange Welcome — the final phase of orientation for incoming students — offers opportunities to explore campus, engage in academic success programming and connect with other students. With more than 700 planned events, new students will have opportunities to understand what it means to be a Volunteer and commit to their academic journeys.
Along with nationally competitive enrollment and retention rates, UT has experienced a record fundraising year and the best year of competitive results in its athletics history, showcasing why there has never been a better time to be a Volunteer.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)