KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – At a time when enrollment numbers are declining at universities across the country, the University of Tennessee (UT) System has bucked the trend by posting record enrollment numbers for five consecutive years. The official results were announced today at the UT Board of Trustees Executive Committee meeting.
The University of Tennessee’s flagship campus in Knoxville reported a 6.7% increase in enrollment (38,728 students enrolled). UT Knoxville is seeing a record semester with 59,762 freshman applications received, including an 11.2% increase in in-state applications.
UT Southern, the newest campus in the university system, experienced an exceptional 7% increase in enrollment (1,046 students enrolled). Since joining the UT system in 2021, UT Southern’s enrollment has grown 19.4%, reflecting the campus’ growing influence and commitment to providing a quality education in the southern Middle Tennessee region. UT Martin experienced an 8% increase (7,499 students enrolled), while UT Chattanooga experienced 4% growth (11,834 students enrolled).
Retention rates are also increasing, with UT Knoxville leading the way with a record-breaking 91.9%. UT Southern reported a retention rate of 77.2%, while UT Martin is at 77%. UT Chattanooga’s retention rate is 71.9%.
“These numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff who continue to deliver an exceptional education that attracts students from everywhere,” said UT System President Randy Boyd.
This increase in enrollment across the UT system not only reflects the institution’s growing reputation, but also underscores the effectiveness of strategic initiatives to improve access and affordability. These include initiatives such as guaranteed admissions for Tennessee’s top high school students so students and families can plan their college experience with greater confidence and certainty. In addition, through the UT Promise undergraduate scholarship program, more than two-thirds of Tennessee high school students can qualify to attend all UT campuses tuition-free and mandatory fees.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 100 colleges were closed between the 2022–23 and 2023–24 academic years.
“As we build to the best decade in UT history, despite the challenges facing higher education across the country, our enrollment growth reflects our strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students and the communities we serve,” Boyd said.
About the University of Tennessee System
The University of Tennessee is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis, the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county, and the statewide Institute for Public Service. The UT System manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership, has about 58,000 students statewide, produces about 13,000 new graduates each year, and represents more than 445,000 alumni around the world.
Keywords: Executive Committee, Featured, Randy Boyd, UT Board of Trustees, UT System
