Knoxville is the home to Tennessee’s flagship public university, The University of Tennessee, and brings with it a very traditional college-town feel. It also has a good dose of modern stuff, making it a very desirable college destination for several different types of people.
The population as of 2021 was a touch over 190,000 people, making it much smaller than Nashville and Memphis (715K and 633K, respectively), but still big enough to offer students many choices for study breaks, entertainment, or good old Tennessee cuisine.
The cost of living is relatively low compared to cities of the same size, and Tennessee’s climate is pretty mild year-round, with Knoxville’s winters averaging in the 40s and 50s, though the summers can feel pretty hot if you’re not used to southern humidity.
Universities in Knoxville, TN – 4-Year Colleges and Online
As mentioned above, the majority of the Knoxville college landscape is dominated by the 4-year public university, the University of Tennessee. UT-Knoxville has produced several notable alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Vonnegut, and former U.S. Senator, Bob Corker.
In addition to UT’s main campus, other Knoxville colleges and universities that offer 4-year degrees include Johnson University and South College, as well as the focused Huntington University of Health Sciences.
Community Colleges in Knoxville
Pellissippi State Community College serves as the primary outlet for 2-year degrees and certifications in the Knoxville area. South College also has several associate’s programs in addition to its 4-year degrees.
Get to Know Knoxville
College sports are pretty popular in the South, and Knoxville is undoubtedly no exception. On football Saturday, the entire city turns orange and celebrates and/or mourns together, depending on how the University of Tennessee Volunteers (their team nickname; Lady Vols for women’s sports) do.
The fun vibe is definitely a microcosm of the city on weekends, but it’s very mellow during the week. Residents enjoy the riverwalk and good weather, and southern hospitality is very much a thing in Knoxville, so get ready to wave at some strangers!
| Institution Name | City | State | Website | Degree Levels Offered | Modality | Profit Status (CNTLAFFI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington University of Health Sciences | Knoxville | TN | www.huhs.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Online | No |
| Johnson University | Knoxville | TN | johnsonu.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Knoxville | Knoxville | TN | knoxville.paulmitchell.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Pellissippi State Community College | Knoxville | TN | www.pstcc.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville | Knoxville | TN | www.rosseducation.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| South College | Knoxville | TN | www.south.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Online | No |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville | Knoxville | TN | www.tcatknoxville.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Tennessee School of Beauty of Knoxville Inc | Knoxville | TN | www.tennesseeschoolofbeauty.com | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| The University of Tennessee System Office | Knoxville | TN | www.tennessee.edu | Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
No | |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville | TN | www.utk.edu | Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Hybrid | No |