The University of the South: 52.3% Acceptance Rate

52.3%Acceptance

$53,698Tuition

1,598Students

82%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$64,911Earnings

#6 in TennesseePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Protestant Episcopal

About The University of the South

Sewanee sits on a 13,000-acre mountain campus called "The Domain" where 1,598 students pursue liberal arts education steeped in Episcopal tradition. This Tennessee college has produced notable writers like Jon Grisham and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham. The rural setting creates an intimate academic community with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Students here embrace both rigorous academics and outdoor adventure across the vast forested campus.

The sticker price of $70,236 drops with aid, bringing the average net cost to $27,498. Graduates typically earn $64,911 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $22,855 manageable with monthly payments of $242. Only 30% of students take federal loans, suggesting many families can afford the cost without heavy borrowing. The employment rate of 94.7% shows strong career outcomes.

The student body skews wealthy and white, with just 15% receiving Pell Grants and 81% identifying as white. Students come mostly from out of state, creating a geographically diverse but economically homogeneous community. The 82% six-year graduation rate reflects both academic preparation and financial stability among enrolled students.

Academics & Faculty

The University of the South operates as a traditional liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual foundations before specializing. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally and mentorship thrives. This close attention shows in the results: 82% of students graduate within four years. The college's English and creative writing programs have produced notable authors including John Grisham. Political science and history departments benefit from the school's proximity to power networks and alumni connections. The Episcopal tradition infuses academic life with emphasis on ethics and service learning. Pre-professional programs in medicine and law maintain strong placement rates at top graduate schools.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 88.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 81.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 82.4%
Retention Rate: 88.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,911
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Doctoral	$75,204
Economics.	Bachelor	$47,595
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$37,568
History.	Bachelor	$37,568
International/Global Studies.	Bachelor	$28,960
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,353
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$25,774
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$25,194
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$15,922

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Sewanee live on a stunning 13,000-acre mountaintop campus called "The Domain" in rural Tennessee, about 90 minutes from Nashville and Chattanooga. The campus sits at 2,000 feet elevation, meaning students need winter coats for chilly mountain mornings and layers for the changing seasons. With housing capacity for 1,800 students and total enrollment of 1,598, nearly every student lives on campus in Gothic Revival dormitories and houses scattered across the forested domain.

Weekend life revolves around the tight-knit campus community and outdoor adventures. Students hike to waterfalls, attend parties in the historic fraternity houses, and gather for pickup games on the quad. The school's Episcopal heritage shows in the beautiful All Saints' Chapel, where many students attend services. With 535 students competing in 22 varsity sports and countless intramural activities, athletics play a major role in campus life. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and many live right on campus. Students often describe Sewanee as feeling like a small mountain village where everyone knows each other.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,800 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	3	3
Fondling	3	3
Stalking	5	0
Dating Violence	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–45°F
July Avg: 66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 64.0"
Annual Snowfall: 5.4"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the country to experience Sewanee's unique mountain campus, with nearly 78% arriving from out of state. The student body of 1,598 reflects the school's Episcopal heritage and liberal arts mission, drawing families who value tradition and academic rigor. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize humanities and social sciences. The predominantly white student population mirrors the school's historic roots and rural Tennessee location. With relatively few Pell Grant recipients, Sewanee primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families seeking an intimate, values-based education.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 80.9%
Black: 3.9%
Hispanic: 6.5%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 22.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.9%

Location

Sewanee sits on a 13,000-acre mountain plateau in rural Tennessee, about 90 minutes southeast of Nashville. The campus, known as "The Domain," sprawls across the Cumberland Mountains at 2,000 feet elevation. Only 22% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's national draw to this remote location. The nearest town has fewer than 2,500 residents, making the university the dominant presence in the area. Dense forests and limestone bluffs surround the Gothic Revival buildings, creating an isolated academic sanctuary. The rural-distant setting means students rarely leave campus for entertainment. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare The University of the South with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-1000

Sewanee University Library and Walsh Hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,911
Median Earnings (5 years): $57,680
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 82.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $242/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,855

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of the South?

The University of the South accepts 52% of applicants, making admission moderately selective. Students typically need strong academic credentials, with the middle 50% scoring between 1233-1380 on the SAT. The school's Episcopal heritage and honor code attract students seeking a traditional liberal arts education.

How much does The University of the South cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $27,498, lower than the full cost of attendance of $70,236. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,970 on average. The generous financial aid reflects the school's commitment to making its top education accessible.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring small classes and close mentorship opportunities. With only 1,598 students total, Sewanee emphasizes personalized attention typical of top liberal arts colleges. The intimate academic environment fosters deep discussions and strong professor relationships.

What are the career outcomes for The University of the South graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $64,911 ten years after graduation, with 94.7% finding employment. The 82% six-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support and student engagement. Alumni like Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham and bestselling author John Grisham demonstrate the school's impact across fields.

Where is The University of the South located?

The campus sits on 13,000 acres in rural Tennessee, known as 'The Domain.' Only 22% of students come from in-state, drawn by the stunning mountain setting and Gothic architecture. The isolated location creates a tight-knit community where academic and social life intertwine.

Does The University of the South offer athletic scholarships?

The school offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution that prioritizes academics over athletics. With 535 student-athletes across 22 varsity sports, about one-third of students compete athletically. The Southern Athletic Association provides competitive play while maintaining academic focus.