The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) vs Mizzou

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison will delve into these differences, providing prospective students with valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their academic journey. Whether you're drawn to Mizzou's vibrant campus life or UTK's strong engineering programs, this comprehensive analysis will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview
Location	Knoxville, Tennessee	Columbia, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	88.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	74.9%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1170 - 1340	1130 - 1350
ACT range	25 - 31	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	16.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	62.0%	72.0%
Total number of applicants	29,909	19,966
Total number of admissions given out	22,413	15,283
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,948	4,843
Yield rate	26.5%	31.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not 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: $32,658 Out of state: $51,078	In state: $27,977 Out of state: $46,952
Average net price	$21,512	$18,249
Tuition	In state: $11,332 Out of state: $29,522	In state: $10,017 Out of state: $28,992
Room & board	$12,150	Room/dormitory: $6,710 Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $10,884	85.0% Average amount $11,312
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,160	36.0% Average amount $5,270
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,631	8.0% Average amount $16,554

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,067 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	23,696 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	6,634 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	7,705 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	31.0%
International students	3.3%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	8,365	6,898
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Missouri Illinois Texas Kansas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism Health Professions	Business Health Professions Ethnic Studies Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.1%	72.5%
Dropout rate	8.8%	26.8%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $93,333 Year 2: $100,008 Year 3: $104,573 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,087 Year 2: $80,628 Year 3: $96,108 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $93,226 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,803 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,805 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,511 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $81,536 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,866 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,864 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,895 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $79,424 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,907 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,960 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,579 Year 2: $69,897 Year 3: $78,050 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,571 Year 2: $66,004 Year 3: $74,926

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UTK and Mizzou are both large, public universities, but they differ in several key areas. UTK is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, offering a more outdoorsy and mountainous setting, while Mizzou is situated in Columbia, Missouri, a classic college town with a more Midwestern feel. Academically, UTK is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs, while Mizzou excels in journalism, communications, and veterinary medicine. Culturally, UTK has a strong SEC sports tradition, particularly in football, while Mizzou, also in the SEC, has a broader range of popular sports and a more diverse student body in terms of geographic origin.
How do the academic reputations of UTK and Mizzou compare?

Both UTK and Mizzou are respected public universities. Mizzou is particularly well-regarded for its School of Journalism, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. UTK has strong programs in engineering, especially nuclear engineering, and supply chain management. While both offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Mizzou generally has a slightly higher overall ranking, but the best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance at UTK versus Mizzou?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, Mizzou tends to be slightly less expensive than UTK. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition and fees are comparable. It's important to check the most recent figures on each university's website, as tuition rates can change. Also, consider the cost of living in Knoxville and Columbia, as this can impact your overall expenses.
What are the campus environments like at UTK and Mizzou?

UTK's campus is located in the heart of Knoxville, providing easy access to urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The campus itself is a mix of historic and modern buildings. Mizzou's campus is located in Columbia, a quintessential college town. It features a beautiful, traditional campus with iconic landmarks like the Columns. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.
How do the sports cultures differ between UTK and Mizzou?

Both UTK and Mizzou are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), so sports are a significant part of the campus culture. UTK is particularly known for its passionate football fanbase and the 'Vol Navy' on the Tennessee River. Mizzou also has a strong football tradition, but its athletic program is more diverse, with strong teams in basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Expect a lively and spirited atmosphere at sporting events at both universities.
What are the popular majors at UTK and Mizzou?

At UTK, popular majors include engineering (especially nuclear, mechanical, and aerospace), business administration, supply chain management, and communication studies. At Mizzou, popular majors include journalism, business, health professions, and education. Both universities offer a wide array of programs, so it's best to explore the specific departments that align with your interests.
What are the admission requirements for UTK and Mizzou?

Admission requirements for both UTK and Mizzou typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a well-rounded application. The specific requirements may vary depending on the program you're applying to. It's recommended to check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information on GPA and test score ranges for admitted students.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UTK or Mizzou?

Both UTK and Mizzou offer career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. UTK's location in Knoxville provides opportunities in various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Mizzou's location in Columbia offers opportunities in journalism, media, healthcare, and business. The specific career opportunities will depend on your major and career goals, but both universities have strong alumni networks and connections to employers.
How do the student demographics compare between UTK and Mizzou?

Both UTK and Mizzou have a diverse student body, but there are some differences. UTK tends to draw a larger percentage of students from Tennessee and the surrounding Southeastern states. Mizzou attracts students from Missouri, the Midwest, and across the country. Both universities are working to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at UTK and Mizzou?

Both UTK and Mizzou offer a variety of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. These are typically based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. It's important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Additionally, both universities offer institutional scholarships, so be sure to explore the scholarship opportunities on their respective websites.

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