Tennessee vs. UH

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston is larger than Tennessee based on total student enrollment (47,980 students vs. 38,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting); University of Houston is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1; University of Houston 22:1.

Tennessee vs. UH Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee or UH? 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 University of Houston than Tennessee ($14,309 vs. $21,648).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston are 15.5% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($11,286 vs. $13,356).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is 42.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UH (about $4,095 more per year; $13,812.00 vs. $9,717.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.5% higher at Tennessee than at University of Houston (about $10,709 more per year; $33,256.00 vs. $22,547.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than at University of Houston (94% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Houston students is 6.3% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($12,159 vs. $11,434).

Tennessee vs. UH Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 40 points higher than at UH (1250).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at UH).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370; University of Houston 1160/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31; University of Houston 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission; UH - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: UH May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at UH (3.46).
• UH has a higher acceptance rate (73.9%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Tennessee vs. 26.5% at UH.

Tennessee vs. UH Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee and UH? 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 University of Houston's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Houston earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Tennessee graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $56,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Tennessee graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, UH graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee graduates ($204 vs. $206).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UH students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 61%)

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.