College comparison

San Diego State University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	San Diego State University San Diego, CA	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN
Acceptance rateSan Diego State University is more selective	36%	42%
SAT (25–75)	—	1200–1370
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	35,377	30,418
Avg net price	$15,364	$18,976
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public
Location	San Diego, CA	Knoxville, TN

Quick answers

Is San Diego State University or The University of Tennessee-Knoxville harder to get into?

San Diego State University is more selective: San Diego State University's acceptance rate is approximately 36% and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's is approximately 42% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for San Diego State University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at San Diego State University and 1200–1370 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.