About Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University brings Christian values and health sciences education together on a campus that serves 2,673 students in suburban Tennessee. The Seventh-day Adventist institution has built a strong reputation in nursing, healthcare, and ministry programs since 1892. Students come from across the nation, with only 21% from Tennessee, creating a diverse community where 26% are Hispanic and 14% are Asian.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students typically pay around $24,334 after aid, considerably less than the sticker price of $35,150. Graduates earn a median of $53,723 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,500 manageable with monthly payments around $260. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school keeps costs reasonable with institutional grants averaging $12,862.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 51% graduation rate suggests the rigorous Christian academic environment challenges some students. With 82% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most find their fit early. The campus houses 1,500 students in residence halls where Adventist lifestyle principles shape daily routines and community standards.
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students typically pay around $24,334 after aid, considerably less than the sticker price of $35,150. Graduates earn a median of $53,723 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,500 manageable with monthly payments around $260. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school keeps costs reasonable with institutional grants averaging $12,862.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 51% graduation rate suggests the rigorous Christian academic environment challenges some students. With 82% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most find their fit early. The campus houses 1,500 students in residence halls where Adventist lifestyle principles shape daily routines and community standards.
Academics & Faculty
Southern Adventist University centers its academics around Christian education with particularly strong health sciences programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship, though the 51% graduation rate suggests students face significant academic challenges. The university is known for its nursing, physical therapy, and pre-med programs that integrate faith-based perspectives with rigorous scientific training. Students pursue degrees within a Seventh-day Adventist framework that emphasizes service and well-rounded wellness. The school's health science focus reflects the denomination's emphasis on healthy living and medical mission work. Academic programs blend liberal arts education with professional preparation, particularly in healthcare fields where graduates often serve in denominational hospitals and mission settings worldwide.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.4%
- Retention Rate
- 82.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,723
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,277 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,579 |
| Social Work. | Master | $38,829 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,530 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
The campus sits in Collegedale, about 20 minutes east of Chattanooga, where students can explore the Tennessee River and nearby hiking trails. You'll need both winter coats for January lows around 30 degrees and shorts for humid summers reaching the 80s. About 56% of the 2,673 students live on campus in residence halls that accommodate 1,500 students.
Seventh-day Adventist traditions shape campus life in distinctive ways. Classes don't meet on Saturdays, the Sabbath, creating a unique weekly rhythm. Students attend Friday evening vespers and Saturday morning church services as part of the religious culture. The 54% female, 46% male student body represents diverse backgrounds, with 38.8% White, 26.1% Hispanic, and 13.7% Asian students. Weekends often center around outdoor activities in Tennessee's natural settings, intramural sports, and community service projects. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 means professors know students personally. Campus dining emphasizes vegetarian options, reflecting Adventist health principles that influence daily meal choices and lifestyle habits.
Seventh-day Adventist traditions shape campus life in distinctive ways. Classes don't meet on Saturdays, the Sabbath, creating a unique weekly rhythm. Students attend Friday evening vespers and Saturday morning church services as part of the religious culture. The 54% female, 46% male student body represents diverse backgrounds, with 38.8% White, 26.1% Hispanic, and 13.7% Asian students. Weekends often center around outdoor activities in Tennessee's natural settings, intramural sports, and community service projects. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 means professors know students personally. Campus dining emphasizes vegetarian options, reflecting Adventist health principles that influence daily meal choices and lifestyle habits.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,500 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1892
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–51°F
- July Avg
- 71°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
Students come from across the country to study at this Seventh-day Adventist institution, with nearly 79% arriving from out of state. The diverse student body reflects the global reach of the Adventist church, drawing 26% Hispanic and 14% Asian students alongside traditional demographics. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, likely attracted to the university's strong nursing and health sciences programs. About 31% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian education. The international mix creates a multicultural campus united by shared faith and service-oriented values.
- Men
- 45.9%
- Women
- 54.1%
- White
- 38.8%
- Black
- 6.4%
- Hispanic
- 26.1%
- Asian
- 13.7%
- In-State Students
- 21.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.9%
Location
Southern Adventist University sits in Collegedale, Tennessee, about 20 miles east of Chattanooga. The campus occupies 1,000 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Collegedale was actually founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a planned community around the university. The town maintains a distinctly religious character with about 8,000 residents. Students find themselves in a small, tight-knit environment where the university dominates local life. The nearby Chattanooga area offers urban amenities, outdoor recreation along the Tennessee River, and attractions like Lookout Mountain. The 21.30% in-state enrollment reflects the school's national draw within Adventist communities. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Southern Adventist University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Collegedale, Tennessee 37315-0370
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,723
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,971
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $260/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Adventist University?
Southern Adventist University accepts 65.78% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1130. This Seventh-day Adventist institution prioritizes well-rounded admissions that align with their Christian mission and values.
How much does Southern Adventist University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,334, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,100 after aid. Students graduate with a median debt of $24,500 and monthly loan payments of $260.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Adventist University?
The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 across the 2,673-student campus. The university emphasizes personalized Christian education with strong programs in health sciences and ministry preparation.
What are the graduation rates at Southern Adventist University?
The 4-year graduation rate is 51.57% and 6-year rate is 51.40%. Graduates earn a median of $53,723 ten years after graduation with a 93.3% employment rate.
Where is Southern Adventist University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Collegedale, Tennessee, housing 1,500 students in on-campus facilities. The suburban setting provides a close-knit Christian community atmosphere with an 82.05% retention rate.
Does Southern Adventist University follow Seventh-day Adventist principles?
Founded in 1892, the university operates under Seventh-day Adventist beliefs emphasizing health, service, and spiritual development. The diverse student body is 54.06% women with 38.76% White, 26.11% Hispanic, and 13.73% Asian students.
