The University of Tennessee Southern: 80.3% Acceptance Rate

80.3%Acceptance

$10,506Tuition

827Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,924Earnings

Public4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Tennessee Southern

The University of Tennessee Southern serves 827 students in the small town of Pulaski, Tennessee. This public university has built its reputation around personalized attention and accessible education. With an 80% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1093, UTM Southern welcomes students who are ready to work hard but may not have had every advantage. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students by name.

The financial picture tells a story of affordability with some challenges. Students pay an average net price of $15,133 after aid, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates earn a median of $38,924 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,500. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings, with only 43% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans.

Athletics play a major role in campus culture, with 294 students competing in 19 NAIA sports as the FireHawks. Nearly $1.6 million in athletic scholarships supports student-athletes. However, the 35% six-year graduation rate and 64% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees, despite the supportive 96.6% employment rate for those who do graduate.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Tennessee Southern operates as a small public university focused on undergraduate education and professional preparation. With just 827 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and professors know students personally. The school emphasizes practical programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment, reflected in its strong 96.6% employment rate after graduation. However, the academic environment can be challenging for some students to navigate successfully. Only 32.93% of students graduate within four years, and 35.70% complete their degrees within six years. The retention rate of 64.25% suggests that about one-third of students transfer or leave after their first year, indicating that the academic fit varies among incoming students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.7%
Retention Rate: 64.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,924
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

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Campus Life

The 827 students at UT Southern experience small-town college life in Pulaski, about 75 miles south of Nashville. With housing for only 390 students, most upperclassmen live off-campus in town or commute from nearby areas. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and attendance matters.

Pulaski sits in Middle Tennessee's rolling hills, where you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 90s. The FireHawks compete in 19 NAIA sports, and athletics dominate weekend social life with 294 student-athletes on a campus this size. Students often head to Nashville for bigger entertainment or explore the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway nearby. The 64.25% retention rate reflects the challenge many students face adjusting to the limited campus social options. Greek life and residence hall programming try to build community, but with 72% of students from Tennessee, many head home on weekends rather than staying for campus activities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 390 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Arson	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–48°F
July Avg: 66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.1"
Annual Snowfall: 1.9"

Student Demographics

Most students come from Tennessee, reflecting the university's strong ties to the region and its role serving local communities. The student body is predominantly white, typical for rural Tennessee institutions. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely drawn to the school's education and health science programs that have historically attracted female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and working-class families from small-town Tennessee. This creates a close-knit campus culture where students often share similar backgrounds and regional connections.

Men: 40.8%
Women: 59.3%
White: 76.5%
Black: 5.2%
Hispanic: 4.4%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 72.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.0%

Location

The University of Tennessee Southern sits in Pulaski, Tennessee, a small town about 75 miles south of Nashville. With just 827 students, the campus fits naturally into this rural Middle Tennessee community of roughly 8,000 residents. Pulaski lies in the rolling hills between Nashville and the Alabama border, offering a classic small-town college experience. The town is known as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, a dark historical legacy the community has worked to address in recent decades. Students find a quiet, close-knit environment where outdoor recreation like fishing and hiking are popular pastimes. The nearest major shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Columbia or Nashville. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare The University of Tennessee Southern with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pulaski, Tennessee 38478-2799

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,924
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,965
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern accepts 80.26% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1093, with most admitted students scoring between 1025 and 1160. This small public university in rural Tennessee focuses on providing opportunities for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions.

How much does The University of Tennessee Southern cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,133 annually at The University of Tennessee Southern. The total cost of attendance is $20,606, which includes the same $10,506 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 33% of students receive financial aid, helping make this small regional university affordable for Tennessee families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at The University of Tennessee Southern?

The University of Tennessee Southern maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 827 enrolled students. This small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit academic environment. However, only 64.25% of students return for their sophomore year, suggesting some struggle with the transition to college life.

What are the graduation rates at The University of Tennessee Southern?

Only 32.93% of students graduate in four years from The University of Tennessee Southern, with 35.70% completing degrees within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,924 ten years after enrollment. The university serves many first-generation college students in rural Tennessee, where completing a degree can be challenging due to financial and family obligations.

Where is The University of Tennessee Southern located and what is campus life like?

The University of Tennessee Southern sits in Pulaski, Tennessee, a small town setting that houses 390 students in campus dormitories. The FireHawks compete in 19 NAIA sports with 294 total athletes receiving $1,553,495 in athletic scholarships. This rural campus creates a tight-knit community where athletics play a central role in student life.

Does The University of Tennessee Southern have good job placement rates?

The University of Tennessee Southern boasts a 96.6% employment rate for its graduates, showing strong connections to regional employers. However, graduates carry a median debt of $21,500 with monthly loan payments of $228. The university's focus on practical career preparation helps students find work in Tennessee and surrounding states, even if starting salaries remain modest.