BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UTK: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is a four-year full-time undergraduate programme. The degree costs approximately $36,700 per year (INR 34.98 Lakhs), totalling $146,800 (INR 1.40 Crore) over four years. International students must meet English proficiency and standardised test requirements. Admissions open for Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes.

This programme trains ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary researchers. It combines laboratory work, field research, and coursework in ecology, evolution, population genetics, and animal behaviour. Students learn to analyse ecosystem dynamics and address real-world challenges in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The programme emphasises critical research skills applicable to academic careers, government agencies, and conservation organisations.

• World-class faculty conducting research in the top 10 percent of North American ecology programs by impact.
• Collaborative learning environment where peers support career development and research projects.
• Year-round fieldwork opportunities across diverse Tennessee ecosystems and partner research sites.

Also Check: University of Tennessee Admission Requirements

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Fees and Living Costs 2026

International tuition at UT Knoxville totals $36,700 annually. This includes tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies. The four-year programme costs $146,800 (INR 1.40 Crore). Merit scholarships reduce this cost by $2,000 to $12,000 annually for strong applicants.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• International students typically receive $8,000 merit aid annually; scholarships range $2,000 to $12,000 depending on academic profile.
• Book expenses vary by semester; field trip costs additional $500 per year for ecology-specific courses.
• Mandatory campus fees include student services, technology, health, and recreation access.
• Most international undergraduates live on-campus; housing is included in the above living cost estimate.

Cost of Living in Knoxville for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Students

Cost Insight: Knoxville is Tennessee’s most affordable college city; housing costs are 30 percent lower than northern universities. On-campus housing bundles meals, reducing negotiation overhead for first-year international students.

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Admission 2026

Two intakes occur each year. Fall intake (August start) deadline has passed; Spring intake (January start) deadline is 01 September 2026. International applicants follow the same academic criteria as domestic students.

Academic Eligibility for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

UT Knoxville requires high school completion or equivalent. Science coursework in chemistry and biology strengthens ecology applications. Minimum GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) is required; competitive applicants average 3.2 to 3.6.

• High school transcripts must be official and, if not in English, officially translated by the issuing school.
• SAT is preferred over ACT for US universities; both are accepted equally at UT Knoxville.
• Indian students typically score higher on standardised tests due to competitive domestic exam preparation.

English Language Proficiency for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

All international students whose first language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores. TOEFL and IELTS are both accepted. No minimum score waiver is granted based on prior English study.

• Indian students aiming for scholarships should target TOEFL 95 plus or IELTS 7.0 plus to stand out.
• TOEFL score delivery to UT Knoxville takes 3-5 days; apply at least one week before the deadline.
• Duolingo English Test is not accepted; TOEFL or IELTS only.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS preparation is shorter than TOEFL for most Indian applicants; both are equally respected by UT Knoxville. Start test preparation 3-4 months before your intake deadline.

UT Knoxville ranks 101-150 nationally in the United States (US News 2026). The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology specifically ranks in the top 10 percent of ecology programmes in North America based on research impact.

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Application 2026

Submit transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT), and English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) through the Common Application. Application fee is $50 USD (INR 4,765). No application fee waiver is available for international students.

• Document all certifications (transcripts, test scores) one month before your deadline to allow processing delays.
• The Common Application accepts direct uploads; no physical documents needed for initial review.
• After acceptance, you must submit proof of high school completion and final transcripts.

Application Tip: Submit your application 1-2 weeks early; final days often see server delays during peak submission times.

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Scholarships 2026

UT Knoxville offers merit-based scholarships to strong international applicants. Average aid is $8,000 annually for undergraduates. Typical four-year aid package reduces total cost from $146,800 to approximately $114,800 (INR 1.09 Crore).

• International merit scholarships range $2,000 to $12,000 annually; top candidates (SAT 1300 plus, GPA 3.7 plus) receive $10,000 to $12,000.
• No separate ecology scholarships exist; general science merit aid applies.
• On-campus work opportunities pay $15 to $16 USD hourly; undergraduate limit is 20 hours weekly during the academic term.
• Graduate assistantships offer full or partial tuition coverage but require master’s or PhD enrolment.

Indian students with strong STEM backgrounds often qualify for higher merit awards. Verify scholarship eligibility directly with the International Student Office; merit funding is automatic for qualifying applicants.

Scholarship Reality: Most international undergraduates receive partial aid, not full rides. Plan for $25,000 to $30,000 annually (INR 23.83 Lakhs to INR 28.59 Lakhs) even with scholarships applied.

Also Check: UT Knoxville Scholarships and Financial Aid

University of Tennessee Knoxville Bachelor of Science Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Salary 2026

Graduates typically enter ecology, conservation, environmental science, or teaching roles. Entry-level salaries range $40,000 to $55,000 USD annually (INR 38.12 Lakhs to INR 52.42 Lakhs). Mid-career ecologists earn approximately $71,000 USD (INR 67.66 Lakhs) after 5-10 years of experience.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Research.com Salary Data 2026

• Government positions (US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA) offer steady salaries and pension benefits but slower progression.
• Conservation nonprofits pay 10-15 percent less than government but provide meaningful environmental impact alignment.
• Federal student loan repayment programmes apply to government and nonprofit roles; estimated $4,000 to $7,000 annual assistance.

Career Reality: Entry-level ecology roles typically require a master’s degree for leadership positions; bachelor’s graduates often start as field staff and advance after two years of experience.

Read More: UT Knoxville Graduate Outcomes and Rankings

United States Visa Pathway for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Students

International students study in the US on the F-1 Student Visa. This visa permits four years of full-time undergraduate study plus a 60-day grace period after programme completion. On-campus work during study is limited to 20 hours weekly; off-campus employment requires prior authorisation.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits 36 months of full-time work in your field post-graduation (12 months standard plus 24-month STEM extension for biology).
• H-1B visa sponsorship is available after OPT; UT Knoxville employers and external sponsors can nominate graduates for skilled-worker visas.
• H-1B processing follows annual lottery; approximately 33 percent of applicants are selected; salary floor is $60,000 USD (INR 57.18 Lakhs).
• Spouse and dependent visas (F-2) are available; dependents cannot work during study but can study with visa transfer.

Visa Reality: F-1 visa holders often require employer sponsorship for H-1B; returning to India between OPT and H-1B filing risks visa reentry delays. Plan for continuous employment sponsorship.

Also Check: US Student Visa and Work Permit Guide