The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) vs University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. UT-Knoxville boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity, while UAB offers a more open admissions policy. UT-Knoxville's student body is larger and more diverse, with a higher percentage of out-of-state students. UAB, on the other hand, has a higher graduation rate and a greater focus on research. Both universities offer a wide range of popular majors, including engineering, business, and nursing, but UT-Knoxville has a stronger reputation for its programs in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	University of Alabama at Birmingham
Overview
Location	Knoxville, Tennessee	Birmingham, Alabama
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%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	74.9%	88.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1170 - 1340	1173 - 1388
ACT range	25 - 31	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	16.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	62.0%	65.0%
Total number of applicants	29,909	11,906
Total number of admissions given out	22,413	10,541
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,948	2,415
Yield rate	26.5%	22.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,658 Out of state: $51,078	In state: $27,630 Out of state: $39,462
Average net price	$21,512	$16,990
Tuition	In state: $11,332 Out of state: $29,522	In state: $8,568 Out of state: $20,400
Room & board	$12,150	Room/dormitory: $7,767 Meal plan: $4,540
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $10,884	93.0% Average amount $10,940
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,160	46.0% Average amount $5,208
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,631	5.0% Average amount $14,247

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,067 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	13,547 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%
Graduate students	6,634 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	8,742 Men 34.1% Women 65.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	16.8%
International students	3.3%	5.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	8,365	3,480
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Alabama Georgia Tennessee Louisiana Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism Health Professions	Health Professions Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.1%	62.4%
Dropout rate	8.8%	16.5%
Transferred out	18.0%	17.9%
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	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $158,993 Year 2: $169,894 Year 3: $175,573 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $100,128 Year 2: $111,769 Year 3: $139,245 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $117,171 Year 2: $130,034 Year 3: $128,873 Systems Science and Theory (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,948 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $123,089 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,176 Year 2: $96,457 Year 3: $107,084 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,582 Year 2: $99,737 Year 3: $105,689 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,298 Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $99,770 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,552 Year 2: $95,215 Year 3: $98,530 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,497 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $94,486 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,743 Year 2: $88,820 Year 3: $90,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)?

UTK is a large, public, land-grant university known for its strong traditions, vibrant campus life, and comprehensive academic programs, particularly in engineering, business, and agriculture. UAB, on the other hand, is a public research university with a strong focus on health sciences, medicine, and biomedical research. UAB is located in a major metropolitan area, offering a different urban experience compared to UTK's more traditional college town setting.
Which university is larger, UTK or UAB?

UTK is significantly larger than UAB. UTK typically has a total enrollment exceeding 30,000 students, while UAB's enrollment is generally around 22,000. This difference in size impacts class sizes, campus atmosphere, and the availability of resources.
How do the academic reputations of UTK and UAB compare?

Both UTK and UAB are respected universities, but they excel in different areas. UTK is well-regarded for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs. UAB is nationally recognized for its medical, health sciences, and biomedical research programs. Your choice should depend on your academic interests.
What is the campus environment like at UTK versus UAB?

UTK offers a traditional college town experience with a strong emphasis on school spirit and SEC athletics. The campus is located in Knoxville, providing a blend of urban and natural environments. UAB, situated in downtown Birmingham, offers a more urban campus environment with access to city amenities and professional opportunities. The campus is more integrated into the city landscape.
How do the costs of attending UTK and UAB compare?

Tuition and fees vary depending on residency status. Generally, UTK and UAB have comparable in-state tuition rates. However, out-of-state tuition at UTK may be slightly higher than at UAB. It's essential to check the most recent tuition rates on each university's website for the most accurate information, and to factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on lifestyle and location.
What are the popular majors at UTK and UAB?

At UTK, popular majors include engineering (especially mechanical, electrical, and civil), business administration, communication studies, and biological sciences. At UAB, popular majors include nursing, biology, biomedical engineering, business, and public health. These reflect the universities' respective strengths and areas of focus.
What kind of research opportunities are available at UTK and UAB?

Both UTK and UAB are research universities, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UTK has strong research programs in areas like advanced materials, nuclear physics, and environmental science. UAB is a leading research institution in medicine, public health, and biomedical engineering, with extensive research facilities and funding opportunities in these fields.
How does campus life differ between UTK and UAB?

UTK has a very active campus life with a strong emphasis on Greek life, sports, and student organizations. There are numerous clubs, activities, and events throughout the year. UAB also offers a variety of student organizations and activities, but campus life is often more focused on academic and professional development due to its urban location and strong ties to the Birmingham business and medical communities.
What are the athletic programs like at UTK and UAB?

UTK is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has a highly competitive athletic program, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball. UAB is a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and offers a range of Division I sports. While UAB's athletic program is growing, UTK's athletics have a longer and more prominent history on a national stage.
Which university is better for students interested in healthcare professions?

UAB is generally considered a stronger choice for students specifically interested in healthcare professions. Its medical school, nursing school, and public health programs are highly ranked and offer extensive clinical and research opportunities. While UTK has strong science programs, UAB's direct connection to a major medical center provides unparalleled access to healthcare-related experiences.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UTK and UAB?

Both UTK and UAB offer career services to assist students with internships and job placement. UTK benefits from its strong alumni network and connections within Tennessee and the Southeast. UAB benefits from its location in Birmingham, a major business and healthcare hub, providing access to internships and job opportunities in those sectors. The best choice depends on your desired career field and geographic preferences.
What is the surrounding city like for each university?

UTK is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, a mid-sized city offering a blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a growing job market. Knoxville has a vibrant music scene and is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. UAB is located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, a major metropolitan area with a diverse economy, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a growing food scene. Birmingham offers more urban amenities and professional opportunities.
How do the acceptance rates compare between UTK and UAB?

UTK generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than UAB, making it somewhat more selective. However, both universities are accessible to qualified students. It's important to check the most recent acceptance rates on each university's website, as these can fluctuate from year to year. Your academic record and application materials will be key factors in your admission decision.

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