Southern Adventist University
About Southern Adventist University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southern Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university in Collegedale, Tennessee, near Chattanooga. It offers programs in nursing, biology, film, and theology, with a campus in a wooded mountain setting.
Founded
1892
Location
Collegedale, Tennessee
Students
3,073
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
65.5%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
49.4%
Below national average
Tuition
$27,300
Per year
Avg Net Price
$24,345
After financial aid
SAT Average
1129
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,723
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
65.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southern Adventist University accepts 65.5% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1129/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.8%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$11.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 82.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$27,300
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,900
Books & Supplies
$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,618
After Financial Aid
$24,345
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,123
Receive Grants
30.6%
Take Loans
42%
The total cost of attendance runs about $38,618/yr, including $8,900 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $24,345.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Adventist University fund their education.
While in School
30.6%
Get Grants
Free money
42%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,894
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$260/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Adventist University.
Gender
54%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,773
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
300
Graduates
18.2%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
6.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 18.2% are first-generation college students. 7.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,773
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Adventist Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,723
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$66K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
38 grads
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$60K
21 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
20 grads
4yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
—
17 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
15 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Adventist University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Adventist University?▾
How much does Southern Adventist University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Adventist University?▾
How much do Southern Adventist University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.