The Top 10 Reasons I Love The University of Tennessee

With CIT Consultant, Anne Weber

Having not traveled to Knoxville, TN in many years, I had no idea how this city and its crowning jewel, The University of Tennessee, has grown. 

UTK, as it’s commonly referred to, has become increasingly popular. And I can tell you, it’s warranted affection. 

After touring the school, here are the top 10 things I love about the University of Tennessee: 

1. The “Ped Walk.” A pedestrian boulevard runs all the way from the original side of campus down through its heart and through to the athletics complex. This bustling walkway is beautiful, lively, practical and the daily pulse of campus.
   
2. A stadium in the center of campus. So many schools I visit have pushed their football stadiums to external sites to accommodate buses and parking. Not Tennessee. I love how accessible this is for students.
3. Construction that will double the size and capacity of the Haslam College of Business. This already impressive school is double-down to accommodate its growing prowess. 
4. The happy, lively students enjoying pickleball, tennis, and runs along the river. 
5. The story of the Big Orange Tux
6. A school with a mascot of an adorable hound named Smokey, who runs the field on game day and can be found in statue form all around campus.
7. A strong nursing program only getting better with the nearly finished construction of a beautiful new nursing building.
8. A campus committed to all students, as evidenced by a well-kept campus, new dorms, beautiful recreation facilities, and a big student union.
9. Accessibility to Knoxville. UTK is one of only a couple big southern schools in a city, making fun, employment and networking much easier.
10. While there’s no doubt Tennessee is getting more competitive, especially in business, it remains a good value, even for out-of-staters. At a COA of $45k, it’s far more affordable than many of its peers.