College Comparison
Rutgers University 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480wins | 1190–1340 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519 | $18,109wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6%wins | 91.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357wins | 28,763 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rutgers edges out Tennessee on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,479
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.0%
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,109
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.