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
Sewanee's ROI is mixed, and it leans on one number to look good. The $64,911 median earnings ten years out beats the median debt of $22,855 by a wide margin, so the aggregate math works. But the program-level data undercuts that. Every listed bachelor's major reports early earnings well below the school-wide median, which means the $64,911 figure is carried by graduates who moved into higher-paying fields or advanced degrees, not by the typical starting salary in these programs.
Economics is the clear winner here, paying about $10,000 more early on than political science or history, both of which land near $37,568 against similar debt loads. International/Global Studies and Psychology are the weak spots, with Psychology grads starting around $26,353 while carrying debt into the mid-teens. If you major in one of those two, expect a slow financial start and plan on graduate school to move the needle.
The main financial risk is location and price. Sewanee is a small liberal-arts school in rural Tennessee, so you won't have a dense local job market feeding these humanities and social-science degrees. You'll likely need to relocate for work, and the $27,498 sticker net price makes that debt-to-early-salary gap real for the lower-paying majors.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $10,970. over $110k, you pay $37,122, more than triple. The 82.4% grad rate and 88.46% retention mean you're likely to finish, which protects you from the worst outcome of paying for a degree you never earn. Sewanee fits you if you're aiming for economics or planning graduate work and can access the lower price tiers. If you're full-pay and headed for psychology, the numbers are hard to justify.
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.