College Comparison
University of Colorado Boulder vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
School
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | CU Boulder | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420wins | 1190–1340 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480 | $18,109wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 89.2% | 91.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578wins | 28,763 |
Verdict
CU Boulder and Tennessee are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $69,738
- ✓Graduation Rate: 75.0%
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,109
- ✓Retention Rate: 91.1%
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