The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Knoxville, TN — Carbondale, IL

Metric
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
Location Knoxville, TN Carbondale, IL
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 30,418 8,494
Acceptance Rate 41.6% 86.9%
SAT Average 1,311 1,055
In-State Tuition $13,812 $13,334
Out-of-State Tuition $33,256 $13,334
Avg Net Price $18,976 $13,297
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $21,543
4-Year Graduation Rate 73.7% 59.0%
Retention Rate 91.9% 66.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,782 $43,087
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,249 $53,390
Loan Repayment Rate 696900.0% 789000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale compare?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 41.6%, in-state tuition of $13,812, and median 10-year earnings of $60,249. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale, IL) has an acceptance rate of 86.9%, in-state tuition of $13,334, and median 10-year earnings of $53,390.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $60,249 vs $53,390. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the more affordable option at $13,297 per year versus $18,976.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 73.7% vs 59.0%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025