At $27,498/yr net price, The University of the South graduates earn $64,911/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,911/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,498 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,911/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,911/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,855 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,970/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,429/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,421/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,923/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,122/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $75,204 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,595 | $23,250 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $24,267 |
| History. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $21,500 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $17,148 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $25,774 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $21,175 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $15,922 |
The Risk Factor
82.4% of students at The University of the South graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The University of the South delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. With a median 10-year earnings figure of $64,911 against a net price of $27,498 annually, the school offers reasonable value for graduates who choose wisely.
Theological and Ministerial Studies stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $75,204 annually. This makes sense given Sewanee's strong Episcopal identity and seminary connections. Economics majors earn $47,595 but carry slightly higher debt at $23,250. History and Political Science graduates both earn $37,568, which barely justifies the investment given the debt load. International/Global Studies presents the worst financial outcome at just $28,960 in earnings.
Your biggest risk at Sewanee is choosing a liberal arts major without a clear career path. The rural Tennessee location limits internship opportunities and networking compared to urban schools. You'll need to work harder to build professional connections during college.
Sewanee works financially if you're pursuing ministry, economics, or have family wealth that makes debt irrelevant. The low 14.88% aid rate suggests most students pay close to full price, making this school financially viable mainly for upper-middle-class families. The 82% graduation rate and 88% retention rate indicate you'll likely finish your degree, but that doesn't guarantee career success in lower-paying fields.
Skip Sewanee if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study liberal arts without graduate school. The combination of limited aid and weak earnings in humanities majors creates financial stress for middle-class families stretching to afford the tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of the South worth the cost compared to other colleges?
The University of the South graduates earn $64,911 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a school with a $27,498 net price. The 82% graduation rate is strong, but many programs lead to below-average starting salaries.
What majors at The University of the South have the best return on investment?
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates from The University of the South earn $75,204, making it the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Economics graduates earn $47,595, which is decent but not outstanding for the investment.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from The University of the South?
The median debt at The University of the South is $22,855, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. This relatively low debt load helps offset some concerns about modest post-graduation earnings in several programs.
Are liberal arts degrees from The University of the South worth the money?
History and Political Science graduates from The University of the South earn around $37,568, which is low for the investment. International Studies graduates fare even worse at $28,960, making these majors financially risky choices.