rocky top transfer
program OVERVIEW
The Rocky Top Transfer is an invitation-only program and unlocks an incredible college journey—start at Pellissippi State Community College, then enjoy guaranteed transfer admission to UT upon meeting the program requirements. This program expands admissions options to students wanting to join our Volunteer family by increasing access to a UT degree.
Already interested? Reserve your place in the Rocky Top Transfer program by logging into your Go Vols Portal to complete the Pathway or Waitlist interest form by May 1, 2026. More information about your next steps is below.
Program Requirements
Students who participate in the Rocky Top Transfer program are offered a guaranteed transfer admission opportunity into any non-competitive UT program for the following Fall.
- 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 at Pellissippi State Community College and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed transfer admission into any non-competitive UT program.
*Any remedial courses taken during your time at Pellissippi as well as any credits earned through dual enrollment or prior learning credits do not count towards the 24 transferable earned credit hour requirement.
Competitive Programs
Students may choose to apply to a competitive program; however, transfer admission is not guaranteed. Admission to these programs requires additional departmental review. If a student is not accepted into their competitive first-choice major, they will be admitted to their non-competitive second-choice major, provided all other program requirements are met.
Competitive programs include:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Graphic Design
- Interior Architecture
- Music
- Nursing
- Online Social Work
To learn more about specific program requirements for our competitive majors, please visit our Transfer page.
Scholarship Opportunities
Rocky Top Transfer Scholarship
The Rocky Top Transfer Scholarship is exclusively for students who participate in the Rocky Top Transfer program. Eligible students must enroll at UT immediately after completing 24+ Pellissippi State CC degree-applicable credits with a minimum 3.25 Pellissippi State CC GPA (does not include summer semester). This scholarship is renewable for up to three years. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident to be considered for this scholarship.
| GPA Pellissippi State CC GPA | Rocky Top Transfer Scholarship Annual Award Amounts (Six Semesters Max) |
| 3.25-3.49 | $1,500 |
| 3.5-3.74 | $3,000 |
| 3.75+ | $5,000 |
Tri-Star Scholarship Program (In-State Only)
Tennessee residents who participate in the Rocky Top Transfer 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:
- UT Promise Scholarship
- Tennessee Pledge Scholarship
- Flagship 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.
Continuing Student Scholarships
All admitted transfer students, including successful Rocky Top Transfer participants, may apply for additional transfer scholarships through our Continuing Undergraduate and Transfer Student Scholarship application. Visit One Stop’s website to learn more about the scholarships available to UT transfer students, along with any dates or deadlines you should be aware of.
Filing a FAFSA?
Students who wish to apply for financial aid for their first semester at UT Knoxville should submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to include UT Knoxville’s federal school code, 003530, by UT’s priority filing date.
Students may be eligible for scholarships through Pellissippi State CC. Students should contact them directly for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pathway Requirements & Enrollment Next Steps
How do I apply to Pellissippi State CC?
Go to pstcc.edu and click on “Apply Today.” Remember to apply to Pellissippi State CC as a degree-seeking student. If you have questions or need assistance, please call Pellissippi State CC at 865-694-6400.
Will UT send Pellissippi State CC my high school transcripts, test scores, and other documentation?
No, students are responsible for sending Pellissippi State CC all required documents needed for the admissions process.
Can I take all online classes as a Rocky Top Transfer participant if I live out-of-state and want to stay home?
This depends on your intended major, standardized test scores and final high school GPA. All online math courses and some other online courses require on-site testing, and some courses are not offered online at all. If you live outside of a reasonable driving distance to Knoxville and want to be fully online at Pellissippi State CC, we encourage you to speak with Pellissippi State CC advising to discuss your options. You may email Patricia Moore at pemoore1@pstcc.edu for assistance.
Ready to join Rocky Top Transfer?
If you’ve been invited and want to participate, log into your Go Vols Portal and complete either the Pathway or Waitlist interest form by May 1, 2026.