The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) vs University of Arkansas (Uark)

Nestled in the heart of the Southeastern Conference, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the University of Arkansas stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and athletic prowess. While both universities share a commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that differentiate these two esteemed institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal preferences, and future goals.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville logo

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

University of Arkansas logo

University of Arkansas

Overview

Location Knoxville, Tennessee Fayetteville, Arkansas
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
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 88.0% 87.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 74.9% 82.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $60
SAT range 1170 - 1340 1050 - 1220
ACT range 25 - 31 21 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 16.0% 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 62.0% 78.0%
Total number of applicants 29,909 21,462
Total number of admissions given out 22,413 17,743
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,948 6,065
Yield rate 26.5% 34.2%
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 Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $32,658

Out of state: $51,078
In state: $26,978

Out of state: $43,794
Average net price $21,512 $15,218
Tuition
In state: $11,332

Out of state: $29,522
In state: $7,666

Out of state: $24,482
Room & board $12,150
Room/dormitory: $7,744

Meal plan: $4,198
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

91.0%
Average amount $10,884
65.0%
Average amount $8,362
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $5,160
38.0%
Average amount $5,442
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $19,631
6.0%
Average amount $16,058

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 25,067
Men 46.0% Women 54.0%
24,265
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students 6,634
Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
4,803
Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 56.6%
International students 3.3% 4.1%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 8,365 6,232
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Arkansas Texas Missouri Oklahoma Kansas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering Technologies
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 72.1% 69.7%
Dropout rate 8.8% 28.4%
Transferred out 18.0% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,450
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $123,792
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,048
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $82,519
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,784
  • Year 2: $69,079
  • Year 3: $80,036
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,033
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $78,844
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,024
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $75,031
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,436
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $74,432
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,594
  • Year 2: $69,524
  • Year 3: $73,914
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,595
  • Year 2: $62,463
  • Year 3: $72,333
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,737
  • Year 2: $58,479
  • Year 3: $68,196
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,418
  • Year 2: $50,606
  • Year 3: $66,051

Frequently Asked Questions


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

    UTK and UARK differ primarily in location, size, and academic focus. UTK, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a larger university with a stronger emphasis on engineering, business, and communication. UARK, situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is known for its architecture, business, and agricultural programs. UTK also tends to have a slightly higher in-state tuition cost compared to UARK.

  • Which university is larger: UTK or UARK?

    The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is generally larger than the University of Arkansas in terms of student enrollment. UTK typically has a larger undergraduate and graduate student population.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between UTK and UARK?

    While tuition costs can vary year to year, generally, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville has a slightly higher in-state tuition compared to the University of Arkansas. Out-of-state tuition is also typically higher at UTK. Be sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

  • Which university is better known for its engineering program?

    The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is generally considered to have a stronger and more established engineering program compared to the University of Arkansas. UTK offers a wider range of engineering specializations and has a larger research focus in engineering fields.

  • What are the strengths of the University of Arkansas?

    The University of Arkansas excels in areas such as architecture, business (particularly supply chain management), and agricultural sciences. It also boasts a strong honors college and a beautiful campus environment.

  • How do the campus environments differ between UTK and UARK?

    UTK is located in a more urban setting within the city of Knoxville, offering access to a wider range of city amenities. UARK, on the other hand, is situated in Fayetteville, a smaller college town with a more relaxed and community-focused atmosphere. Both campuses are considered beautiful, but UARK is known for its Ozark Mountain backdrop.

  • What are the athletic programs like at UTK and UARK?

    Both UTK and UARK have strong athletic programs and are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). UTK is known for its strong football and basketball programs, while UARK is particularly renowned for its track and field program, in addition to football and basketball. Both universities offer a vibrant and competitive athletic environment.

  • Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

    Both UTK and UARK offer research opportunities for students, but UTK, being a larger research university, generally provides a wider range of research options across various disciplines. However, UARK also has growing research programs, particularly in areas related to agriculture, engineering, and nanotechnology.

  • How do the acceptance rates compare between UTK and UARK?

    Historically, the University of Arkansas has had a slightly higher acceptance rate than the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, making it potentially a bit less competitive to get into. However, acceptance rates can fluctuate, so it's best to check the most recent data on each university's website.

  • What kind of student life can I expect at UTK versus UARK?

    At UTK, you can expect a vibrant student life with a wide array of clubs, organizations, and activities, reflecting its larger student body and urban location. UARK offers a more close-knit community feel, with strong traditions and a focus on campus involvement. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build lasting connections.

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