All five University of Tennessee campuses posted enrollment increases this fall, driving the UT System to record growth for the sixth consecutive year. Overall enrollment climbed to 64,866 students, a 4.4% increase from last year and a 20.2% gain over the past five years, keeping the system on track to surpass its 2030 goal of 71,000 students.
“We’re hitting our stride in building the greatest decade in UT history, and the numbers speak for themselves,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “More Tennesseans are choosing UT because we’re focused on what matters: affordability, opportunity and outcomes. Every new student is a future graduate ready to power our workforce and serve communities across this great state.”
Fall 2025 highlights, with percentage changes shown relative to fall 2024:
UT Knoxville
- Total enrollment: 40,421 students (up 4.4%)
- First-year retention: 92.4% (up from 91.9%)
- Transfers: More than 1,700 new transfer students (1,100+ from in-state)
- Graduation: 67% four-year graduation rate (record high, up 5.4%)
UT Chattanooga
- Total enrollment: 12,060 students (up 2.4%)
- First-year retention: 73.4% (up from 71.9%)
- Transfers: 733 new transfer students (up 4.7%)
- Graduate students: a record 1,664 graduate students (up 6%)
UT Southern
- Total enrollment: 1,132 students (up 8.2%)
- First-year retention: 76.6% (down from 77.2%)
- Transfers: 163 transfer students (up 44.2%)
- Graduate students: 41 graduate students (up 20.6%)
UT Martin
- Total enrollment: 8,096 students (up 8%)
- First-year retention: 75.2% (down from 77.0%)
- Transfers: 385 transfer students (up 0.3%)
- Graduate students: 708 graduate students (up 2.6%)
UT Health Science Center
- Total enrollment: 3,157 students (up 1.8%)
- New Student Enrollment: 1,023, 3% increase over Fall 2024
- Retention Rate: 95%
Chancellors across the UT System emphasized how enrollment growth reflects momentum on their campuses.
“These records are a testament to the innovative approach of our faculty and staff, and the hard work of our students,” said UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Every year, more students want to come to UT because they are looking for an experience that will change their lives and an education that will prepare them for the future. They know when they become Volunteers that they will have the community, resources and support they need to thrive both in the classroom and out of it.”
“UTC’s 2025 enrollment of 12,060 students marks a significant milestone on our path to 15,000 by 2030,” UT Chattanooga Chancellor Lori Bruce said. “But this isn’t just about numbers. More and more students from across Tennessee, around the country — and even internationally — are choosing UTC because of the value of our degrees, the strength of our academic programs, the rich campus life and the opportunities to launch successful careers right here in Chattanooga.”
“This marks another milestone moment for UT Southern,” said UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold. “Our steady growth is a reflection of the personalized experience Firehawks receive here, the strong connections they build with faculty and peers and the value of earning a University of Tennessee degree. Students are recognizing that UT Southern offers the right balance of opportunity, community and academic excellence.”
“We appreciate each student and family who has placed their confidence and trust in choosing to attend UT Martin,” UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman said. “We believe ‘every student, every day’ best describes our commitment to offering the best higher education experience possible.”
“The enrollment growth at UTHSC is a testament to the exceptional quality of the educational and clinical experiences our students receive,” said UT Health Science Center Chancellor Peter Buckley. “We are excited to continue this momentum as we grow Tennessee’s next generation of health care professionals to meet our mission of ‘Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.’”
