KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — This fall, the University of Tennessee will welcome its largest in-state population of first-year students in the university's history. The initial count for new and returning students sits at more than 37,000, with an estimated retention rate of over 91%, according to UT.
The university remains in high demand nationwide, receiving a record number of more than 59,000 first-year applications for the Class of 2028. A record number of over 5,100 of these included in-state fall transfer applications, UT said. The accepted class includes more than 6,700 first-year students with an in-state increase of 17% from last year.
This year's incoming group also features:
- Students from 93 Tennessee counties, 48 states (including the District of Columbia) and 38 countries
- A first-generation college student percentage of 16%
- A record number of Army ROTC cadets and 53 Air Force ROTC cadets
- More than 1,400 transfer students, with more than 1,100 coming from Tennessee
According to the university, this year's students also experienced increased access to scholarships. More than 96% of first-year students are receiving some form of scholarship or financial aid. Additionally, UT welcomes its third class of Distinguished Tennesean Scholars - a full tuition scholarship awarded to one student from each Tennessee county.
All first-year and transfer students are invited to participate in UT's six weeks of program orientation for opportunities to explore campus and connect with other students.
“We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2028 to Rocky Top and the start of their college journey,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick said. “From day one of their arrival to the moment they cross the stage at graduation, UT is dedicated to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. We have designed extensive programming to equip all Volunteers with the tools that they need to excel both in and outside the classroom. We are committed to fostering a campus where all thrive.”
