UT Knoxville’s rising retention, graduation rates, and investments in student experience reflect a campus that is committed to student potential and success. The Fall 2026 class will join a community ready to support learning, growth, and meaningful experiences. Our approach to admissions connects students with opportunities to contribute, learn, and succeed—while identifying and supporting pathways that give students a clear road to Rocky Top based on their academic preparedness, interests, and aspirations.
This page outlines our Fall 2026 admissions release so applicants and families fully understand our process, decisions, and pathways.
Fall 2026 Decision Timelines & Definitions
In-state applicants who met early action deadlines will receive an admissions decision on Monday, December 8. Non-resident applicants who met early action deadlines will receive an admissions decision on Monday, December 15.
Applicants who met regular decision deadlines or who are deferred in December will receive an admissions decision on Monday, March 9.
Understanding Your Decision
You will receive one of the following:
- Admit | Students offered First-Year Admission for Fall 2026
- Defer | Your application remains under review and you will receive an updated admissions decision in March.
- Pathway Program Invitations | Select applicants will receive Pathway Programs invitations that enable guaranteed UT Knoxville admission in Fall 2027 upon successful program completion. Pathway invitations are determined based on academic preparation. There are two possible types of Pathway invitations:
- Pathway + Verto Vol Year Abroad: Students in this group are invited to participate in UT Access Collaborative, Rocky Top Transfer, or begin their experience abroad through the Verto Vol Year Abroad program.
- Pathway Only: Students in this group are invited to participate in UT Access Collaborative or Rocky Top Transfer but will not have the opportunity to pursue the Verto Vol Year Abroad option.
- Deny | Students denied for Fall 2026 are encouraged to consider a transfer opportunity in the future.
Learn more about each decision here.
How We Review Applications
Applicants who do not meet in-state Guaranteed Admission criteria are reviewed through a holistic review process — one that considers academic achievement and progression, extracurricular activities, community impact, and potential for leadership. This review includes:
- Difficulty of senior-level coursework
- ACT/SAT Test Scores
- College and academic program
- Rigor of your high school curriculum
- Extracurricular or leadership activities
- Job and volunteer experience
- Awards
- Special talents or skills
- Optional supporting statement
- Letters of Recommendation
Guaranteed Admission for Tennessee Students
Policy Overview
The updated in-state Guaranteed Admission policy, approved by the UT Board of Trustees in June 2024, continues to expand access for high-achieving Tennesseans.
Fall 2026 Snapshot
- 6,223 in-state students met guaranteed admission criteria
- Representing 95 Tennessee counties and 399 high schools
- Mid-50% ACT (self-reported): 27-33
- Mid-50% UT Core Weighted GPA: 4.25–4.56
Fall 2026 Admit Profile (Early Action)
Non-resident information will be added after the December 15 admissions release.
Admitted Students (count)
- In-State | 7,646
Mid-50% ACT
- In-State | 26–32
Mid-50% UT Core Weighted GPA
- In-State | 4.09-4.53
Early Action Application Trends
UT continues to experience growing interest and increases among highly prepared applicants. This represents UT’s most competitive applicant pool in our history.
- 59,148 applications submitted by November 1 | 13.1% increase and 6,854 more than last year
- In-state 12,600 (4.1% increase and 492 more than Fall 2025)
- OOS 46,058 (15.8% increase and 6,291 more than Fall 2025)
- INTL 490 (16.9% increase and 71 more than Fall 2025)
- 49,577 applications completed by November 15 | 11.2% increase and 4,976 more than last year
- In-state 10,323 (3.0% increase and 301 more than Fall 2025)
- OOS 39,226 (14.1% increase and 4,851 more than Fall 2025)
- INTL 28 (-86.3% decrease and -176 less than Fall 2025)
- Application Profile for Completed Applications (Mid-50%)
- In-state | 3.87-4.47 UT GPA, 24-31 ACT
- OOS | 3.75-4.36 UT GPA, 24-30 ACT
- International | 4.34-4.68 UT GPA, 31-34 ACT
A Message to Applicants, Families & Future Volunteers
UT’s success isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. When you become a Volunteer, you’re joining a community committed to making a difference — for you, for the state, and for the world.
If your decision is Admit — Congratulations! Welcome to the Volunteer family. We can’t wait for you to begin your Rocky Top journey.
If your decision is Defer — we want to know more about your academic journey this fall. UT remains committed to your potential and to providing a supported route to becoming a Volunteer.
If your decision is Pathway Programs — UT sees your potential and is committed to finding a place for you within UT’s community. All roads lead to Rocky Top.
If your decision is Deny — this moment does not determine your future with UT. Many Volunteers begin elsewhere and later join the Volunteer family as a transfer student.