About Southern Adventist University
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
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
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
- 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
- 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.
Similar Schools
Affordable Programs in Tennessee
College Planning Guides
About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.