A UT Degree is More Than a Diploma

A UT degree is an investment that pays off for a lifetime. Backed by a statewide presence, deep ties to Tennessee communities and industries, and more than 454,000 alumni ready to lift you up, a UT education surrounds you with people who want to see you succeed — and the resources to help you make it happen. Explore the value of a UT degree.

UTC students smiling and throwing graduation caps inside of a stadium post graduating.

The UT Advantage: A Lifetime of Value 

A UT education builds more than a résumé — it builds a foundation for lifelong opportunity. From hands-on learning and strong industry ties to support that lasts long after graduation, your degree keeps working for you wherever you go.

By the Numbers: The UT Difference

  • 90%

    of UT Knoxville graduates from the Class of 2024 were employed or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree.

  • > 60%

    of UT’s 454,000 alumni live and work in Tennessee, contributing significantly to the state’s workforce.

  • $1.5M

    is the additional amount individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn over their lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma.

Career Readiness: UT Graduates Get Hired

At UT, career preparation is built into your education. Our partnerships with employers across Tennessee and beyond mean students don’t just graduate — they launch careers.

Assistant Professor Kimberly Mitchell plays with her kids in the family room located in Cherokee Mills as part of REACCH—Research and Education Aligned for Clinical and Community Health—a collaborative program with Cherokee Health Systems. on August 08, 2024. Photo by Breven Walker/University of Tennessee.

“It’s nice to have peace of mind that I already have a job after graduation.”

Ashley Austria, UT Health Science Center, College of Nursing, Class of 2024
Read Her Story (external link)
Ashley Austria
UT Health Science Center College of Nursing alumna, Ashley Austria, was part of the Baptist Scholars Program, a partnership that covers tuition and guarantees a job at Baptist Memorial Health Care after graduation.

“By partnering with industry and anticipating the needs of business, the UT Haslam College of Business is both creating stronger graduates and positively impacting areas from the supply chain to the financial markets.”

Holly Sullivan, (UTK, ’94, ’98) head of worldwide economic development, Amazon
Holly Sullivan

Proven Success in Professional Licensure Exams 

UT students graduate ready to succeed in their careers, consistently achieving high pass rates on professional licensure exams.

Nursing

Graduates from UT Knoxville’s College of Nursing achieved a 97% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in 2024, outperforming the national average of 86.6% and the state average of 91.6%. 

Occupational Therapy Neuroscience class Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 in the Mapp Building.

A Ripple Effect of Impact

When one person earns a UT degree, it often changes the trajectory of an entire family. Multiply that by 454,000+ alumni, and you start to see the real power of a UT degree. The UT System is a key driver of Tennessee’s growth and progress.

Filling Critical Gaps

As the largest producer of the state’s workforce, we’re training the next generation of health care professionals, educators, engineers and more, and addressing shortages in teaching, nursing and manufacturing.

UT Martin student Kara Scott teaches a class as part of her education program on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Dylan Ingram)

Strengthening Communities

UT is committed to strengthening Tennessee’s communities by addressing local needs and driving economic growth through partnerships and innovative programs.

UT Martin partnered with Lifeline Blood Services to support a blood drive on Nov. 15, 2022.

Fueling Innovation

UT is at the forefront of research and innovation, collaborating with industries to develop solutions that benefit Tennessee and beyond, fueling progress and tackling the state’s most pressing challenges.

Nourredine Abdoulmoumine works on the CO2-to-jet fuel reactor in the Bioenergy and Biofuels Lab on the Ag campus on May 08, 2024. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Alumni Network: A Lifelong Support System 

UT alumni don’t just build careers — they build communities. They teach, lead, care and contribute across Tennessee and far beyond, creating a ripple effect of impact that lasts for generations. With more than 454,000 alumni worldwide, UT System graduates gain access to a powerful network for mentorship, career opportunities and lifelong learning.

Ways to Connect:

  • Join your local alumni chapter
  • Find a mentor in your field
  • Explore job opportunities through the UT Alumni Network
  • Donate to the university
A student smiles while entering the Fall Undergraduate Commencement ceremony inside Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on December 13, 2024. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Take the Next Step

A UT degree opens doors and creates lifelong opportunities. Join the UT family!