We’re so excited a member of your family is considering UT! We know you play an important part in the college search process, so we’ve pulled together some resources for you.
Visit utk.edu/mobile/ to download the free Tennessee app!
Visit
We encourage you to join your student for a visit and/or event to see what life is like on Rocky Top. Check out our Visit page for information about upcoming tours and events. Please keep in mind that tours fill up quickly during peak times (fall and spring breaks, summer vacation, etc.), so the earlier you can plan your visit, the better!
Afford
The question of cost is likely a key concern for you and your student. We are committed to offering a quality, affordable education and are here to work with you and answer all your financial aid questions.
Parent PLUS Loans
If you’ve been researching loans, you may have heard about PLUS Loans, which are unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. These loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.
Learn more about PLUS Loans and other ways to finance your student’s education on the One Stop Student Services website.
Discounts and Waivers
Your student may be eligible for discounts and waivers while attending UT, or you may be eligible to take reduced-rate classes yourself. Some of the situations that apply include: if you work for UT or another state institution, if you’re a Tennessee educator or state employee, or if you served in the military. Employee fee waivers are contingent on your pay status on the first day of classes each term.
Deferred Payment Plan
UT offers a Deferred Payment Plan to students in good financial standing. The payment plan breaks up the total balance into three manageable payments, called installments. An initial 50% of the total term charges, plus a $30 service charge, is due when enrolling in the payment plan. A second and third payment installment follow in the next two months. If students choose to enroll in a payment plan, they must do so and pay the initial 50% of their balance by the term’s payment due date.
Student Privacy
Regarding student information, UT follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment, established the requirements that govern the privacy of student educational records in regard to their release and access.
Students are notified of their FERPA rights and the procedures for limiting disclosure of directory information in the Hilltopics student handbook, at orientation for new students, and in annual emails from the university administration. Visit UT’s FERPA website for more information, including a tutorial, forms, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Educational Tax Benefits
Parents and UT students may be eligible for education-related tax benefits. The American Opportunity (Hope Credit extended) and the Lifetime Learning Credit are education credits you can subtract in full from federal income tax, not just deduct from taxable income. Information from the IRS is posted on their website.