Belhaven University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Belhaven University in Jackson, MS with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Belhaven University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (4,213 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belhaven University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belhaven University 12:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Belhaven University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Belhaven University or Sewanee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Belhaven University than Sewanee ($16,299 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belhaven University are 38.9% lower than at The University of the South ($9,800 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 85.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Belhaven University (about $25,870 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.5% higher at Sewanee than at Belhaven University (about $25,870 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Belhaven University (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 57.3% larger than aid received by Belhaven University students ($37,171 vs. $23,625).

Belhaven University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Belhaven University or Sewanee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Sewanee and Belhaven University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 180 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at Belhaven University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belhaven University 1010/1298; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belhaven University 19/24; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Belhaven University - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Belhaven University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Belhaven University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Belhaven University and Sewanee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $9,402 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($19,000 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($196 vs. $293).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.