With the fall semester in full swing, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is celebrating another record-setting year in retention and enrollment, thanks in large part to its ongoing commitment to fostering student success and delivering an exceptional campus experience.
More students are staying on track and finishing their degrees, according to newly released enrollment data (finalized on the 14th day of the semester in accordance with state guidelines). UT’s retention rate has risen for the fourth straight year, with 93.1% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year. In addition, graduation rates have improved for the sixth consecutive year and set new records, with 71.4% graduating within four years — up 4.6% from last year.
“Graduating more students and doing so faster than ever is among our greatest successes as the state’s flagship public university,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “For our students, graduating in four years means their degrees cost less and their careers start earlier. For our state, it means a growing pool of talent and future leadership. None of this is possible without the collaborative work and dedication of everyone across the university, especially our students.”
UT’s innovative student success initiatives have played a key role in retaining students and keeping them on track to graduate, resulting in continued enrollment growth. This fall, enrollment reached 41,287 — a 2.1% increase and university record.
“When you truly believe in students and back that belief with authentic, intentional support, they do not simply persist, they thrive,” said Amber Williams, senior vice provost for student success and chief honors officer. “These historic milestones are a direct reflection of our student scholars’ courage and the dedication of our faculty and staff. Every single day, our campus community shows up to make sure our Volunteers feel valued and equipped to reach their highest potential. This success belongs to our entire campus family, and it shows what is possible when we invest completely in our scholars’ futures.”
Focus on access and excellence
UT received nearly 70,000 first-year applications for the 2026-27 academic year, a new record for the university. The increase in enrollment and applications is supported by the university’s strategic enrollment plan, which includes goals for undergraduate, graduate and fully online enrollment. The plan is designed to expand educational access, enhance academic excellence and provide an unparalleled Volunteer experience while preparing students to meet the state’s evolving workforce needs.
“Fulfilling the university’s access mission and creating more pathways to a UT education are foundational elements of our work in enrollment management,” said Kari Alldredge, senior vice provost for enrollment management. “UT’s first-year class, transfer students and online learners are proof that becoming a Volunteer for life can begin at any point in a student’s academic journey. We are excited to celebrate another year of record enrollment and remain dedicated to continually investing in our communities, our partnerships and our Volunteers.”
Final numbers for the Class of 2030 include a number of impressive statistics:
- The university welcomed a record 7,205 first-year students this fall, with 60% of them coming from within Tennessee.
- First-year students hail from 94 Tennessee counties, 46 states plus the District of Columbia, and 26 countries.
- First-generation college students make up more than 16% of incoming students.
- A record 742 first-year students are entering UT as University Honors scholars.
- 97.7% of first-year students are receiving some form of scholarship or financial aid.
- A record 80 first-year students are becoming Army ROTC cadets.
- A record 82 first-year students are becoming Air Force ROTC cadets.
This fall’s transfer class includes 2,057 students, with about 1,414 of them coming from within Tennessee. The university received a record-breaking number of transfer applications for the fall semester — nearly 5,700, with an 18.8% increase in in-state applicants.
With nationally competitive enrollment and rising retention, historic fundraising support and numerous campus upgrades underway, UT is leading the way in excellence for students and the state.
—
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, [email protected])