Tennessee vs. BC

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than BC based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 1,448 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting); Bridgewater College is in Bridgewater, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bridgewater College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1; Bridgewater College 13:1.

Tennessee vs. BC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee or BC? 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 Bridgewater College than Tennessee ($11,316 vs. $21,648).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 10.1% lower than at Bridgewater College ($13,356 vs. $14,850).
• Bridgewater College is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $2,278 more per year; $16,090.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.7% higher at Tennessee than at Bridgewater College (about $17,166 more per year; $33,256.00 vs. $16,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater College than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bridgewater College students is 313.6% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($47,288 vs. $11,434).

Tennessee vs. BC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee or BC? 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 BC and Tennessee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 100 points higher than at BC (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370; Bridgewater College 1020/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission; BC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BC May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at BC (3.61).
• BC has a higher acceptance rate (91.7%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Tennessee vs. 10.1% at BC.

Tennessee vs. BC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee and BC? 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 Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bridgewater College's (59%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than BC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $43,100), 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 BC graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BC graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More BC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.