Oak Street Roast on Chamberlain Field, Aug. 23, 2026. Photo by Angela Foster.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga welcomed 11,809 students for fall 2026, the second-highest enrollment in the University’s 140-year history and set an all-time high for graduate enrollment.
Graduate enrollment reached 1,749 students, a 5% increase over the previous record of 1,664 set last year. The graduate population includes more than 550 professional and research doctoral students, reflecting UTC’s expanding research enterprise and portfolio of advanced academic programs.
“Our enrollment numbers show that the momentum at UTC continues,” said Chancellor Lori Bruce. “We are especially excited to see another record for graduate enrollment, and I think many people will be surprised to learn just how many professional and research doctoral students we have on our campus. These students are an important part of our growing research enterprise, and the impact UTC is having in Chattanooga, across Tennessee and beyond.”
UTC also saw significant growth in dual enrollment, with participation increasing by more than 90% from fall 2025. While dual enrollment is a relatively new area of focus for the University, UTC has expanded initiatives with local charter schools and continues to host University High on campus, giving more high school students opportunities to earn college credit before graduation.
“Creating more pathways to a college degree is an important part of how we serve our students and our community,” Bruce said. “Dual enrollment provides an affordable head start to college, shortening the path to graduation and career launch.”
This fall, UTC students represent 93 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, 45 states and 52 countries.
“We are proud not only of the strength of our enrollment, but also of the exceptional students who choose UTC,” Bruce said. “They come from across Tennessee, across the country and around the world because of the quality of our academic programs, the opportunities available to them and the vibrant campus experience they find here. That speaks volumes about UTC’s growing reputation and the momentum of our University.”
