The University of Tennessee offers three invitation-only Pathway Programs to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their college-readiness before earning guaranteed transfer admission into any non-competitive program the following year. Students invited to participate in these programs are either initially denied first-year admission or offered a spot on our waitlist.
Each program is unique in its offerings, allowing students to sit in the driver’s seat to choose their preferred road to Rocky Top! Let’s dive into each one below.
The UT Access Collaborative: A Traditional University Start
UT Access Collaborative offers students a traditional university experience before transferring from another UT System campus—UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, or UT Southern—to UT Knoxville the following year. Students who meet the program requirements are guaranteed transfer admission to UT Knoxville, or they can choose to stay at their select campus to complete a four-year degree.
UT Access Collaborative helps students build a strong foundation for future success. Students enjoy all the benefits of a 4-year school but at a smaller traditional university campus that offers a personalized, tailored experience.
“My end game is to go to the University of Tennessee (Knoxville),” shared Abbie Bell, a 2024-2025 UT Access Collaborative participant. “I chose this program because I knew at the end of the day, I would end up there; it’s just a little step in the process to get where I want to be.”
All UT System campuses offer an environment where you can form meaningful connections with professors and peers, receive personalized attention, and gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed on Rocky Top.
Rocky Top Transfer: A Community College Experience
The Rocky Top Transfer Program allows students to start their academic journey in a supportive community college environment at Pellissippi State Community College (Pellissippi State CC) and seamlessly transition to UT after completing their first year and meeting program requirements.
According to 2024-2025 Rocky Top Transfer participant Sienna Angelone, “The Rocky Top Transfer program has been a life-changing experience for me. It has taught me perseverance, organization, and time management. I have never been more proud of the person I have become.”
Sienna’s experience reflects the powerful personal growth many students experience while participating in Rocky Top Transfer. Pellissippi State CC’s caring environment ensures that students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally. With smaller class sizes and a close-knit community, the program prepares students for success both at Pellissippi State CC and as they transition to UT.
Verto Vols: An Exciting Study Abroad Experience
With five incredible destinations to choose from—London, Florence, Prague, Seville, or Buenos Aires—the Verto Vols program allows students to start their college experience abroad in safe and supportive hands-on learning environments to grow personally and academically. This unique approach encourages students to explore new academic fields while gaining a valuable, lasting experience before transferring to Rocky Top upon meeting program requirements.
This program drives students to grow, explore, and connect with the world in ways that few other programs do. 2024-2025 Verto Vol Alison McKeithan, who studied in London, describes her experience as transformative, granting her a broader global perspective and enriching her academic journey in ways she never imagined.
“This experience has truly changed my life,” McKeithan shares. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, learned to appreciate things I once took for granted, and developed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything I have. I’m also incredibly grateful to have had the chance to explore multiple countries and experience so many ways of life.”
While McKeithan was gaining valuable cultural experiences, she also benefited from taking international courses that transferred to UT.
“The classes here have exceeded my expectations; they’re unlike anything I experienced in high school, or what I imagined college would be like. The professors are incredibly welcoming, and every class feels unique and engaging.”
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Florence, the energy of Buenos Aires, or the history of Prague, Verto Vols ensures you’re earning more than just college credit—you’re gaining a global perspective that will enhance your life!