Overview
The University of the South is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Sewanee, Tennessee. The school accepts 52.3% of applicants and enrolls 1,598 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 52.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,307
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,233–1,380
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 1,598
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Sewanee wants to see your genuine connection to its Episcopal heritage and mountain campus community. Your essays should address why this particular blend of academic tradition and natural setting appeals to you, not just why you want a liberal arts education anywhere.
The school's Honor Code shapes everything from unproctored exams to leaving laptops unattended in the library. Write about your own integrity and how you've handled situations requiring personal accountability. Admissions officers want students who will uphold this system without external enforcement.
Your application gains strength when you highlight outdoor activities, community service, or leadership that shows you'll contribute to campus life. Sewanee's Domain spans 13,000 acres, and students regularly hike, rock climb, and participate in outdoor programs. Show how you'll engage with both the academic community and the natural environment.
The school's small size means professors know your name and your work. Write about specific academic interests that align with Sewanee's strong liberal arts programs, particularly if you're interested in interdisciplinary studies. The school encourages students to double major and explore connections between fields.
Submit your application early in the rolling admissions process. Sewanee fills spots as applications come in, so applying by December gives you better chances than waiting until spring. The school also offers merit scholarships that require early submission deadlines.
Your interview matters more here than at larger schools. Schedule one if you visit campus, and prepare to discuss specific aspects of Sewanee that attracted you beyond the usual talking points about small classes and beautiful scenery.
The campus culture centers around traditions, from wearing academic gowns to class to the annual Mountain Goat Run. Students who thrive here appreciate formality mixed with outdoor adventure. If you prefer urban environments or need extensive research opportunities, other schools might fit better.
Write about your potential major with specificity. Economics, political science, and history programs have strong alumni networks, while newer programs like environmental studies take advantage of the campus's natural laboratory. Connect your academic goals to what Sewanee specifically offers rather than making generic statements about liberal arts education.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $27,498/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $53,698
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,911/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 88.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of the South require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
The University of the South has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for The University of the South?
The University of the South offers Early Decision with a November 15 deadline and Regular Decision with a February 1 deadline. Early Decision is binding.
Can transfer students apply to The University of the South?
Yes, The University of the South accepts transfer applications for fall and spring semesters. Transfer students must have completed at least 12 credit hours at their previous institution.
What makes The University of the South different from other liberal arts colleges?
The University of the South operates on a 13,000-acre campus in the mountains of Tennessee and maintains an Honor Code system. Students wear academic gowns to class and the school has a strong Episcopal tradition.