The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Union University
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is selective with a 46.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Union University (47.2%). Graduates of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earn $6,259 more per year at the 10-year mark ($60,249 vs $53,990). For families earning $48k–$75k, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is more affordable at $18,820 net price vs $25,531.
Admissions & Outcomes
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a higher yield rate (28.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a higher median SAT (1260 vs 1190).
Knoxville, TN
Jackson, TN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is more affordable at $9,397 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,438 vs $29,835.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Union University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (25%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- 1 Nuclear Engineering$75,204
- 2 Industrial Engineering$69,338
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$69,338
- 4 Chemical Engineering$66,653
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$66,377
Union University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$58,673
- 2 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other$44,590
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$37,424
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$35,060
- 5 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$34,793
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Union University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Social Work
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$29,522
- Est. total cost/year$43,310
- School typePublic
Union University
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$32,650
- Est. total cost/year$44,300
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Union University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is more selective with a 46.0% acceptance rate, compared to 47.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Union University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $60,249 compared to $53,990. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Union University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a lower net price at $18,820 per year vs $25,531. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Union University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 73.5%, compared to 70.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Union University?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a larger international student population at 4% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Union University?
At The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Nuclear Engineering graduates earn a median of $75,204 within two years. At Union University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,673. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.