The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a public research university. It is the flagship institution of the statewide University of Tennessee system, funded primarily by state appropriations and taxpayer support. As a public university, UTK offers lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to private institutions, aligning with its mission to provide accessible education.
Founded in 1794, UTK adheres to state governance and prioritizes serving Tennessee residents while also enrolling out-of-state and international students. It emphasizes research, community engagement, and academic programs across diverse disciplines, characteristic of public land-grant universities in the U.S.
