Catawba College vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of the South is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (1,724 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Catawba College 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: Catawba College 13:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Catawba College vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College 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 Catawba College than Sewanee ($18,447 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Catawba College are 15.4% lower than at The University of the South ($13,565 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 63.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Catawba College (about $21,820 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.6% higher at Sewanee than at Catawba College (about $21,820 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 20.7% larger than aid received by Catawba College students ($37,171 vs. $30,808).

Catawba College vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College 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 Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 160 points higher than at Catawba College (1170).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Catawba College vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College 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 Catawba College's (54%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Catawba College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Catawba College graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Catawba College graduates ($196 vs. $258).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Catawba College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 60%)

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.