Alabama vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Alabama is larger than Tennessee based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 38,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Alabama vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 Alabama ($21,648 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 11.1% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,356 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is 13.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $1,632 more per year; $13,812.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at Alabama than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $916 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than at The University of Alabama (94% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 53.1% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($17,503 vs. $11,434).

Alabama vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is the same as at Tennessee (1290).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Alabama vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than The University of Tennessee Knoxville's (63%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($20,000 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($206 vs. $245).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 59%)

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.