University of Tennessee vs University of Alabama

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University of Alabama (UA), which is situated in Tuscaloosa, has approximately 39,000 students. Admissions are fairly competitive with an acceptance rate of nearly 76%. Top majors are Business, Communications, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Graduation rate is approximately 72%, while average early-career salaries are reported by alumni at INR 50–54 lakhs annually ($60,000–65,000).

The University of Tennessee (UT), based in Knoxville, has around 34,000 students on its rolls. Its acceptance rate is roughly 83%, which is moderately selective. The most sought-after majors here are Engineering, Business, Education, and Nursing. The graduation rate here is approximately 71%. UT alumni receive average early-career salaries ranging from INR 50–55 lakhs annually (around $60,000–66,000).

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University of TennesseeUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score4.8 sfHSI/4.2 sfHSI/
CtVgo0# 296 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2027
# 501 Times Higher Education 2027
# 240 Center for World University Rankings 2026
# 359 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2027
# 801 Times Higher Education 2027
# 415 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
Subject Strength# 181 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 292 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 209 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
# 99 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx US News 2024
# 775 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx QS World University 2026
# 31 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx US News 2025
ProgramsK6FNSL -126
+BcTMq -57
uAFC26 -63
K6FNSL -75
+BcTMq -46
Acceptance Rate46.0 %76.0 %
Cost to Study78XRnV   30977
[NgDAAz]
78XRnV  31116
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 27058 j5deyA
78XRnV   40249.43
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78XRnV  25916.09
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 21050 j5deyA
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Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

MBA: $105,000

Bachelor of Arts: $81,000

Masters in Science: $79,000

Bachelor of Science: $69,000 


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Doctorate: $115,000

PhD: $113,000

MBA: $102,000

Bachelor of Science: $85,000

Bachelor of Arts: $69,000

Master (Other): $56,000 


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Submit self reported academic scores

Submit one recommendation letter

Submit English language proficiency scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts, Submit English language requirements, Check program specific requirements


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ranking# 371 sQv06Y Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026
# 551 sQv06Y Computer Science by QS World University 2026
# 80 sQv06Y Computer Science by US News 2025
# 375 sQv06Y Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026
# 110 sQv06Y Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 sQv06Y Computer Science by QS World University 2024
application--
sjq1dkDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 4.5/6
cost to studyMr9Uej60044Mr9Uej50458
application datesApr 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake)
Jun 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake)
Oct 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake)
Apr 15, 2027 (Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake)
Jan 1, 1999 (Rolling Application)
CqPUxo
H1MbuoUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1794
1820
eNUc0E17:1
19:1
Te91jv504+HGqC, 50MEcsHM454+HGqC, 55MEcsHM
Location Facts

University of tennessee, Knoxville is the main campus of the university of tennessee system and is present in Knoxville. 


The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 in Tuscaloosa and is the state of Alabama's oldest public university. In 1936, UA established an extension center in Birmingham, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine moved there in the same year. In 1950, another extension center was set up in Huntsville.


Library

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus – through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources.


The University of Alabama has 2.9 million document volumes, along with nearly 100,000 uncatalogued government documents in its collection; of these 2.5 million volumes are held by the University Libraries. The University Libraries system has six separate libraries.


Campus Life

Student Life offices are dedicated to creating and hosting events and spaces that are welcoming to all students. By engaging students, faculty, and staff in meaningful conversations, the university makes sure all students feel like they matter and belong on campus.The University of Tennessee has over 450 registered student organizations. These groups cater to a variety of interests and provide options for those interested in service, sports, arts, social activities, government, politics, cultural issues, and Greek societies. The university also offers a number of recreational sports, many offering intercollegiate play. Sports include lacrosse, rugby, soccer, wrestling, hockey, running, crew, golf, ballroom dance, and paintball.


UA offers a complete educational, cultural and social experience. Whatever your interests, you’ll find a group, an organization, an activity or a program that appeals to you. UA invests significant resources in activities and initiatives designed to increase student's security on the campus and their ability to make responsible decisions that enhance their well-being. UA students are from many backgrounds with differing interests and passions. The university  makes sure that the students have the information, resources and support that they need to succeed here and for a lifetime. Whether their interests are intellectual, social, recreational, cultural, multicultural or spiritual in nature, there is a place for everyone at UA. At the university you can take advantage of a robust and varied schedule of musical, dance and theatre performances, art galleries and exhibitions, museums, lectures and readings by writers, poets and experts on every topic imaginable.  Several events are also held for the students on campus every month or week. Students are also provided with the options of on cmapus accommodation and dining facilities. 


Hostel#On campus - $10696
#Off campus (not with family) - $10696
#Off campus (with family) - $5666
#Double Occupancy - $3050
#Single Occupancy - $3450
#4 bedroom suite - $4650
#2 bedroom suite - $4850
#1 bedroom suite - $5050
Famous Alumni

Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback

Dixie Carter, actress

Candace Parker, professional women's basketball player

Paul Finebaum, sports author and television and radio personality

Scott Kelly, astronaut


Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Hugo Black

Author Harper Lee

Former Governor of Alabama George Wallace

Football player Julio Jones

Co-founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones


City Life

Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee. But this city is more than just a college town. It's a multicultural community that embraces an array of pastimes. Downtown Knoxville is full of interesting shops like the independent Union Ave Books and the old-time Mast General Store, as well as the popular Market Square. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both within a 90-minute drive of the city, are beautiful places to go for a hike, as is Ijams Nature Center, which is closer to downtown. Residents enjoy a cost of living that's lower than the national average, which is reflected in reasonable housing, utility and transportation costs. The average cost of a home and the average monthly rent are well below those of many other large metro areas.


Located in the heart of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Home to the renowned University of Alabama and located along the Black Warrior River, you’ll find a walkable Downtown that’s complete with live music, outdoor spaces to explore, and local restaurants to meet every palate. Not too big. Not too small.Tuscaloosa offers a wide collection of unique activities for visitors throughout the city. Whether you're looking to take in a show at the Bama Theatre, indulge in exclusive southern dining or enjoy the thrill of an Alabama football game, there's a place for you! Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the Alabama Museum of Natural History or the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Dreamland BBQ or Full Moon BBQ. With so much to offer, Tuscaloosa is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!


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University of Tennessee vs University of Alabama

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UA and UT both rank in the 600–800 global category. Alabama excels most notably in Business, Law, and Communications, whereas Tennessee excels in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Health Sciences. UT's Haslam College of Business is ranked nationally in logistics and supply chain, whereas Alabama ranks nationally in law and business.

General Information

UA provides a classic flagship experience with robust athletics, especially football, and an energetic campus environment. UT, which is in Knoxville, boasts a lively SEC sports heritage as well as a reputation for practical, career-oriented programs. Knoxville offers a more urban environment than Tuscaloosa's smaller college-town atmosphere.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both schools are moderately selective, with acceptance rates of 70–80%. Alabama has a high volume of out-of-state students drawn to it by its robust scholarship opportunities, while Tennessee is more in-state-based but is increasingly drawing national applicants.

Research Impact & Facilities

UT has the advantage of location near Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is thus exceptionally strong in science, engineering, and energy research. UA, also an R1 university, is strong in business, law, and communications, and has developed biomedical and engineering research in recent years.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both cost around $11,000–12,000 annually for in-state and $30,000–32,000 for out-of-state. Alabama is well known for rich automatic merit aid, and Tennessee offers excellent financial aid to in-state students in the form of the HOPE Scholarship.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Alumni from Alabama are strong in business, law, communications, and public service, with many pursuing corporate leadership and legal careers. Graduates from Tennessee tend to enter engineering, supply chain, healthcare, and education, with UT's alignments with Oak Ridge and local industries backing them. Both institutions maintain good alumni backing in the Southeast, with UA having more extensive business/legal ties and UT leading in STEM and logistics areas.