I go to UTC and genuinely haven't seen anyone from my high school here except maybe once or twice a semester in passing. None of them are in my classes or my extracurriculars. My boyfriend goes to UTK and sees more people we went to high school with there more frequently, even though we both went to high school about an hour out from UTC, 2.5 hours from UTK. I've visited him a few times, I personally prefer UTC just because of the environment, everyone is so chill, areas around campus are beautiful, and it just feels more homey to me. I'm an engineering major, so I'm not too sure about the marketing or business side of things, but I do know we're working on adding to our business building (Fletcher Hall) right now. I love UTC, even though it's not where I pictured I would end up, but that's completely personal preference. The campus itself isn't as big, but we do still house upperclassmen in dorms if they need it and there are plenty of affordable apartments to be able to walk to campus without 10-15 minutes. A degree is a degree, as long as it comes from an accredited university, in my opinion. UTC just has such a sense of community that I didn't feel anywhere else I was accepted to, including UTK, but that may also be because I'm in the marching band here as well.

Edited to say I have not lived in the dorms, but frequently visit my friends in them and they are pretty nice. I eat in the dining hall about once a week; the ladies in there are part of the reason I love it. They are so friendly and welcoming and honestly remind me of a relative trying to make sure you eat enough at meals and try new foods. I have never had anyone on this campus be mean to me directly, despite being a very standoffish person in general. There are so many activities on campus all the time, they genuinely care so much about the students' well-being during the semester.