KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — University of Tennessee in-state, undergraduate students pay far less in fees, room and board than the national average for four-year public colleges.
The College Board, an association of 2,800 schools, reported Wednesday that its nationwide survey shows annual in-state fees average $2,811.
UT’s annual in-state, undergraduate fees (and the percentage below the national average) are:
* UT-Martin — $2,014 (28.3 percent).
* UT-Chattanooga — $2,064 (26.6 percent).
* UT-Knoxville — $2,220 (21.0 percent).
In addition, the College Board said food and on-campus housing at the nation’s four-year public universities averages $4,152 per year. Financial aid officers at UT’s three undergraduate campuses estimate the annual room and board costs (and the percentage below the the national average) are:
* UT-Martin — $3,020 (27.3 percent).
* UT-Knoxville — $3,620 (12.8 percent).
* UT-Chattanooga — $4,233 (1.9 percent).
UT President Joe Johnson said Thursday the latest data are “very significant and pleasing” because they were compiled by “a reputable national source like College Board.”
The rate of fee increases nationwide slowed this year to an average 5 percent but remains above the inflation rate currently hovering near 3 percent, the Board said.
UT in recent years has cut back on the rate of fee increases, Johnson said. “The state of Tennessee has always had a preference for low fees,” he said.
“In housing, food service and book store, and in the general management of the university, we’ve got some people who are managing well.”
In-state, undergraduate students at UT’s Knoxville, Chattanooga and Martin campuses pay less in overall costs — fees, room and board — than the national average for four-year public universities. The combined national average is $6,963.
Overall costs, by UT campus (and the percentage below the national average), are:
* UT-Martin — $5,034 (27.7 percent).
* UT-Knoxville — $5,840 (16.1 percent).
* UT-Chattanooga — $6,213 (10.8 percent).
—
Contact: Bob Gilbert (423-974-2225)