The University of the South
About The University of the South
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of the South (Sewanee) is a private liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee, on a 13,000-acre mountaintop campus. It offers programs in economics, English, psychology, and environmental studies, with an 82% graduation rate and an Episcopal heritage.
Founded
1857
Location
Sewanee, Tennessee
Students
1,687
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
56.9%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
79.8%
Near national average
Tuition
$56,120
Per year
Avg Net Price
$27,872
After financial aid
SAT Average
1344
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$64,911
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
56.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Feb 1
The University of the South accepts 56.9% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1344/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
79.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88.9%
4-Year Grad
75%
6-Year Grad
80%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
88.7%
$/Student
$22.5K
Class Size
Small
75% of students graduate on time, and 88.7% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$56,120
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,028
Books & Supplies
$500
Total Cost of Attendance
$71,986
After Financial Aid
$27,872
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,485
Receive Grants
15.9%
Take Loans
33.6%
Don't let the $56,120 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $27,872 after financial aid, a 50% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $10,485.
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 The University of the South fund their education.
While in School
15.9%
Get Grants
Free money
33.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$79,417
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,855
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$242/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,855. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends The University of the South.
Gender
53.1%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,607
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
80
Graduates
13.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men).
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,607
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
The University of the South fields 14 varsity teams with 569 student athletes, about 35% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
SAA
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
569
35% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
341
Men
228
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of The University of the Southearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,911
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$35K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$59K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$32K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$24K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Literature
—
34 grads
History
—
30 grads
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $45K at eight, and $65K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The University of the South
What is the acceptance rate at The University of the South?▾
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How much do The University of the South 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.