UT Access Collaborative

Together, the University of Tennessee System represents the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. Each campus is distinctive while unified in our commitment to the student experience, discovery and outreach to positively impact our communities and beyond.

What is UT Access Collaborative?

UT Access Collaborative is an invitation-only pathway program designed to expand admission options to students interested in enrolling at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and increase access to a UT education. Select students not admitted to UT Knoxville will be offered the opportunity to begin their first year at another UT System campus (Chattanooga, Martin, Southern). After satisfying UT Access Collaborative requirements during their freshman year, these students may transfer to UT Knoxville the following fall to complete their undergraduate study.

The UT Access Collaborative program encourages students to utilize UT’s statewide presence to access an affordable, top-rated, educational experience through the University of Tennessee System.

Please note: At this time, we cannot guarantee on-campus housing for returning UT Access Collaborative students.

This experience has made a great impact on my life and made me work really hard for this. I already told my brother that if he was given this opportunity, to take it. UTK is also his dream school.
gracie manning
Memphis, TN

A Transfer Pathway to UT Knoxville

UT Access Collaborative participants who meet first-year program requirements are guaranteed transfer admission into any non-competitive program at UT Knoxville, and between UT System campuses, by meeting the following criteria:

Complete 24+ transferable earned credit hours*
Achieve a 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale

Students who complete a minimum transferable 24 earned credit hours of coursework and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed transfer admission into any non-competitive UT program.

Students not admitted into a competitive program will be admitted to their non-competitive second choice major.

Competitive programs include:

Engineering
Nursing
Online Bachelors of Social Work
Architecture
Interior Architecture
Graphic Design
Music

To learn more about specific program requirements for our competitive majors, please visit our Transfer page.

*Any credits earned through dual enrollment or prior learning credits do not count towards the 24 transferable earned credit hour requirement.

Scholarship Opportunities

Tennessee residents who participate in the UT Access Collaborative Pathway program and meet program requirements for guaranteed transfer admission to UT will be eligible for scholarships under the Tri-Star Scholarship Program upon enrollment at UT Knoxville:

UT Promise Scholarship
Tennessee Pledge Scholarship
Flagship Scholarship
KIPP Scholarship

For more information on the Tri-Star Scholarship Program, visit our One Stop website. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident to be considered for these awards.

Students may also apply for additional transfer scholarships through our Continuing and Transfer Student Scholarship application. To learn more, visit our Transfer Student Scholarship page.

Next Steps

After you have indicated that you are interested in participating in UT Access Collaborative, through your Go Vols Portal, your information will be sent to the UT System Campus (Chattanooga, Martin, or Southern) that you selected. You will then be contacted by that school (via email or phone call) within 10-14 business days after you make your selection.

Once you begin the fall semester, you will start receiving information regarding your next steps to transfer to UT Knoxville. You can learn more about the process to transfer back to Rocky Top by visiting our Next Steps page.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am waitlisted and select a pathway option, am I no longer considered on the waitlist?

No, you are still on the waitlist. Should a spot open up at UT Knoxville then you will be notified that you have been pulled from the waitlist and can still attend UTK in the fall.

Can I transfer back to UT Knoxville before Fall 2026?

Unfortunately, no. The earliest you will be able to return to UT Knoxville is the fall 2026 semester.

Is guaranteed housing provided if you participate in the UT Access Collaborative Pathway program?

At this time, we cannot guarantee on-campus housing for students participating in the UT Access Collaborative pathway program. Reach out to University Housing at housing@utk.edu for details for on-campus opportunities.

I have dual enrollment credits, does that count towards the 24 transferable earned credit hour requirement?

Unfortunately, any credits earned or completed while still in high school do not count towards the 24 transferable earned credit hour requirement, however you can receive credit for those courses at UT Knoxville. You will need to submit official dual enrollment transcripts and any prior learning credits to UT Knoxville to determine your eligible transfer credits. To learn more about transfer credits visit our Transfer webpage.

I have a lot of dual enrollment or prior learning credits from high school. Is UT Access Collaborative right for me?

It depends on the specific classes you have already taken and your intended major. Before indicating interest in this pathway program, please reach out to our Transfer Center for assistance at transfer@utk.edu.

Am I eligible for financial aid and scholarships through this program?

Your first step will be to make sure to update your FAFSA application and add your selected UT System school’s code to it. Once that has been completed, you will contact your selected UT System school to discuss your financial aid eligibility.

Who is the UT Access Collaborative contact for each campus?

UT Chattanooga: Terrence Banks, terrence-banks@utc.edu
UT Martin: Mykaela Waterfield, mwaterfi@utm.edu
UT Southern: Todd Jones, tjones@utsouthern.edu
UT Knoxville: Meghann Overholt, meghann.overholt@utk.edu