CBU vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

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

Christian Brothers University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christian Brothers University is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Christian Brothers 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: Christian Brothers University 9:1; The University of the South 9:1.

CBU vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CBU 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 Christian Brothers University than Sewanee ($16,754 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 31% lower than at The University of the South ($11,055 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 46.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CBU (about $17,700 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.1% higher at Sewanee than at Christian Brothers University (about $17,700 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University 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 19% larger than aid received by Christian Brothers University students ($37,171 vs. $31,234).

CBU vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CBU 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 CBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 130 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 1020/1380; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 19/24; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CBU - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at CBU vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

CBU vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CBU 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 Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from Christian Brothers University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 53%)

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.