Enrollment: 21717
Average SAT: 590
Average ACT: 27
Most Popular Majors: Finance, General,Political Science and Government, General,Psychology, General,
Regular Application Deadline: 12/01
Student Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Undergraduate Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid: 67
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $2,746.00

2009 Best Value Colleges – Public
Least Beautiful Campus
Jock Schools
Lots of Hard Liquor

Students Say - Academics
The "large, dynamic," and "very affordable" University of Tennessee is a "southern football school" with "rich" traditions and "a vibrant academic and social atmosphere." "It is also a school that has something to offer everyone." The profusion of majors and minors includes several "very innovative programs." There are "excellent research facilities" and ample undergraduate research opportunities. There's also a "huge and awesome library." As with virtually every mammoth flagship state university, the faculty at UT is "a mixed bag." Professors here are "active in their fields" and usually "very passionate" about their subjects. "Overall, most faculty members are accessible and eager to help or talk with you," says an art history major. "You get the odd ones," though, and the occasional "horrible" one. "I have absolutely loved some of my professors and also wished I had the ability to fire some," reflects a marketing major. Some students feel that the top brass "genuinely tries to connect" with them. For the majority, though, "the administration is frustrating." "We call it the 'Big Orange Screw,'" maintains a sophomore. "You might get the runaround a little bit," warns a senior. "It's always best to get everything in writing."

Students Say - Campus Life
Down by the river is gorgeous but, on the whole, this concrete-ridden campus is "not very aesthetically pleasing." In fact, "aside from some of the buildings on the outside" and the "top-notch athletic facilities," it's "ugly." "There is never enough parking," either. Those are the complaints. In just about every other way, "the University of Tennessee is a fun place to be." It's definitely a "big campus atmosphere." "Greek life is very prevalent." "Clubs, interest groups, leadership organizations," and the like absolutely run the gamut. "Vol spirit" is also alive and well. "Practically every campus group lives up to the 'Volunteer' name by donating time and resources to our campus and community," boasts a junior. Social life is rollicking. "UT is a party school," declares a senior. "No one in their right mind would look around on the weekend and say otherwise." "Most students drink at least occasionally" at frat houses, at house parties, and at the bars on "The Strip." Intercollegiate athletics also dominate. The student body "bleeds orange." "Whether you're a hippie or a sorority girl," explains a junior, "everyone loves UT sports." The Lady Vols are a perennial basketball powerhouse. Men's basketball is also popular. Football is king, though. "During the fall, most students attend football games on Saturdays." "Huge parties on frat row" precede each one. Tailgating is a lifestyle. It's also worth noting "Knoxville is a great college town" overflowing with entertainment options. The food is great, and there is "a lot of variety within walking distance." The Great Smoky Mountains are "close" as well.

Students Say - Student Body
The predominantly "middle-class, conservative" students at UT describe themselves as "physically active" and "very school spirited." They "generally harbor the good manners of Southern tradition and are very friendly." If you want to blend into the crowd, bring "at least one North Face jacket, a pair of Sperry shoes, and plenty of Ralph Lauren clothes." "Walking to class, it is a wave of the exact same person in the exact same clothes just in a different color combination," observes a sophomore. Naturally, though, with more than 20,000 undergrads, "UT is made up of many groups" and "a broad range of students." "This campus is full of interesting people who will really add to your life," promises a first-year student. "Artistic types, liberal crunchy types," and all manners of other types have their constituencies. "Everyone can find their niche," even if it might take some "effort and persistence." "If you are interested in any hobby, passion, or interest, whether it be acting, dance, intramurals, being a lawyer, college football, advancing the LGBT cause, or being Greek, the path is there."

Middle Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University

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