The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) vs Auburn

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Auburn University. While both share a commitment to academic excellence, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the spectrum of popular majors offered, immerse yourself in the diverse student body demographics, and evaluate the graduation rates that reflect each institution's dedication to student success. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed choice, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal growth.

	Auburn University	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Overview
Location	Auburn, Alabama	Knoxville, Tennessee
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	71.2%	74.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60
SAT range	N/A	1170 - 1340
ACT range	N/A	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score		16.0%
Students submitting ACT score		62.0%
Total number of applicants	27,619	29,909
Total number of admissions given out	19,660	22,413
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,311	5,948
Yield rate	27.0%	26.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $33,650 Out of state: $53,810	In state: $32,658 Out of state: $51,078
Average net price	$23,873	$21,512
Tuition	In state: $10,080 Out of state: $30,240	In state: $11,332 Out of state: $29,522
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,892 Meal plan: $5,704	$12,150
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	69.0% Average amount $10,448	91.0% Average amount $10,884
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $5,232	30.0% Average amount $5,160
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $24,894	7.0% Average amount $19,631

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,931 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%	25,067 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%
Graduate students	6,595 Men 46.7% Women 53.3%	6,634 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	N/A
International students	7.0%	3.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	4,823	8,365
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Alabama Georgia Florida Tennessee Texas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Health Professions Business Agriculture	Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.9%	72.1%
Dropout rate	4.4%	8.8%
Transferred out	13.0%	18.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $109,330 Year 2: $119,954 Year 3: $122,981 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,330 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $119,917 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,962 Year 2: $93,520 Year 3: $96,107 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,045 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $94,852 Architectural Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,488 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $86,080 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,285 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $83,134 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,127 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $77,684 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,274 Year 2: $65,753 Year 3: $75,817 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,558 Year 2: $65,170 Year 3: $75,401 Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $74,364	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $138,932 Year 3: $149,763 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $121,650 Year 3: $124,189 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,024 Year 2: $99,662 Year 3: $108,614 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,446 Year 2: $99,251 Year 3: $108,409 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,080 Year 2: $91,502 Year 3: $90,345 Nuclear Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,780 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $83,022 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,968 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $82,289 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,711 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $77,746 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,868 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $77,015 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,642 Year 2: $66,541 Year 3: $76,731

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) and Auburn University?

UTK and Auburn are both large, public universities in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but they differ in several key areas. UTK is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its outdoor recreation and music scene, while Auburn is situated in Auburn, Alabama, a classic college town. Academically, both offer a wide range of programs, but UTK is particularly strong in engineering, business, and communication, while Auburn excels in engineering, agriculture, and architecture. Campus culture also varies; UTK has a more urban feel due to its city location, while Auburn offers a more traditional, close-knit college experience.
Which university is larger, UTK or Auburn?

UTK generally has a slightly larger student body than Auburn. While enrollment numbers fluctuate, UTK typically enrolls around 30,000 undergraduate students, whereas Auburn enrolls around 25,000-26,000 undergraduates. Both universities are considered large, offering the resources and opportunities associated with a major public institution.
How do the academic reputations of UTK and Auburn compare?

Both UTK and Auburn are well-regarded universities with strong academic programs. UTK is known for its programs in engineering (especially nuclear engineering), business (supply chain management), and communication and information. Auburn is highly respected for its engineering (aerospace, mechanical), architecture, veterinary medicine, and agriculture programs. The 'best' university depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.
What is the cost of attendance at UTK versus Auburn?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, UTK and Auburn have similar tuition and fees for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at UTK is typically slightly lower than at Auburn. It's important to check the universities' official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules, as well as information on financial aid and scholarships.
How do the campus environments differ between UTK and Auburn?

UTK's campus is located in the heart of Knoxville, offering students access to a vibrant city with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. The campus has a more urban feel. Auburn's campus is located in the quintessential college town of Auburn, Alabama, providing a more traditional and self-contained college experience. Auburn's campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and close-knit community feel.
What are the popular majors at UTK and Auburn?

At UTK, popular majors include engineering, business administration, communication studies, and biology. At Auburn, popular majors include engineering, business, nursing, and biological and biomedical sciences. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but these are some of the most sought-after fields of study.
What are the athletic programs like at UTK and Auburn?

Both UTK and Auburn are members of the SEC and have strong athletic programs, particularly in football. UTK is known for its 'Volunteer' spirit and passionate fan base, especially for football and basketball. Auburn is equally passionate about its athletics, with a strong tradition in football, basketball, and baseball. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and have a rich history of athletic success.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UTK or Auburn?

Graduates from both UTK and Auburn have access to a wide range of career opportunities. UTK's location in Knoxville provides access to jobs in the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Auburn's strong engineering and business programs lead to opportunities in the aerospace, automotive, and financial industries. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can help graduates find employment.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities compare at UTK and Auburn?

Both UTK and Auburn offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. UTK benefits from its location in Knoxville, offering students access to concerts, festivals, and outdoor recreation. Auburn has a strong Greek life and a close-knit campus community, with many student-led organizations and traditions. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and make friends.
Which university is better for engineering, UTK or Auburn?

Both UTK and Auburn have excellent engineering programs, consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Auburn is particularly strong in aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering, while UTK excels in nuclear, electrical, and industrial engineering. The 'better' program depends on your specific engineering discipline and research interests. It's best to research the specific faculty, research opportunities, and curriculum within each department to determine which program is the best fit for you.

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