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The University of the South

Sewanee, TN·Private nonprofit·1,598 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. strong 82% graduation rate; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

51%
Accept
1,598
Students
$27,498
Net Price
82%
Grad Rate
$51,700
Earnings
10 yr
$17,750
Debt

About This School

The University of the South is a private nonprofit institution located in Sewanee, Tennessee with approximately 1,598 undergraduate students enrolled. The University of the South has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,498 per year. The graduation rate is 82%, and the typical graduate earns $51,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, is a private Episcopal liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee, United States. It is owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church, and its School of Theology is an official seminary of the church. The campus consists of 13,000 acres (53 km2) of scenic mountain property atop the Cumberland Plateau, with the developed portion occupying about 1,000 acres (4.0 km2).

Sewanee is worth a serious look if you're drawn to a tight-knit liberal arts experience — 1,598 undergrads on a stunning 13,000-acre mountain campus means small classes and a real sense of community, and an 82% graduation rate suggests most students who enroll actually finish. The financial picture is genuinely reasonable: median debt of $17,750 is well below average, and at $27,498/year net price, this Episcopal school delivers solid value for a private institution. The one honest caution is that median earnings of $51,700 a decade out aren't spectacular, so if you're chasing a high-salary career track, weigh that carefully — Sewanee rewards students who value the experience itself and are prepared to build their own path after graduation.

Founded
1857
Setting
Distant rural
Conference
Southeastern Conference

Popular Programs

Social Sciences21%
Biological Sciences16%
Psychology11%
English9%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Physical Sciences4%
Business & Marketing4%
Mathematics2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Anson MountEdmund Kirby SmithHoward BakerWilliam Crawford GorgasGene RobinsonFrank KelsoBrian ReynoldsArchibald Butt

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1336
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile688

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$53,698
Out-of-State Tuition
$53,698
Avg Net Price
$27,498
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$17,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
82%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White81%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,598 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

The University of the South

735 University Avenue

Sewanee, TN 37383-1000

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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