Academic Comparison between UTK and CU

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Cumberland University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UTK is a four-year, public school located in Knoxville, TN and CU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lebanon, TN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • UTK is a public and CU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • UTK has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,256) than CU ($27,840).
  • It is harder to admit to UTK than CU.
  • UTK has more students with 38,728 students while CU has 3,457 students.
  • UTK has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while CU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UTK has more full-time faculties with 1,834 faculties while CU has 85 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

The University of Tennessee-Knoxvillevs.Cumberland University
Knoxville, TennesseeLocationLebanon, Tennessee
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$13,812
Out-Of-State$33,256
2025 Tuition & Fees$27,840
77%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$11,451Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,894
41.60 %Acceptance Rates67.33 %
27.37 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)40.54 %
1,280SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
74 %Graduation Rate46 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
92 %Retention Rate59 %
38,728Student Population3,457
1,834Number of Faculties85
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services