Butler vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Butler vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Tennessee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Butler ($21,648 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 18.7% lower than at Butler University ($13,356 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 244.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $33,748 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43% higher at Butler than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $14,304 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 143% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($27,790 vs. $11,434).

Butler vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Tennessee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tennessee and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 30 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Butler students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Tennessee (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Butler vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Tennessee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than The University of Tennessee Knoxville's (63%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Tennessee graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $56,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.