Emory vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

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

Emory University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (15,175 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Emory 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: Emory University 10:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Emory vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory 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 Emory University than Sewanee ($27,303 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of the South are 20.7% lower than at Emory University ($16,028 vs. $20,220).
• Emory University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sewanee (about $8,160 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Emory than at The University of the South (about $8,160 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Emory University (98% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory University students is 51.5% larger than aid received by The University of the South students ($56,319 vs. $37,171).

Emory vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory 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 Emory.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 180 points higher than at Sewanee (1330).
• Incoming Emory students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Sewanee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 1470/1550; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 32/35; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Emory vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory 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).

• Emory University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than The University of the South's (86%).
• Graduates from Emory University earn a median of about $31,700 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,500 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emory University graduates have a $1,767 lower median loan debt than Sewanee graduates ($17,233 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Emory graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sewanee graduates ($178 vs. $196).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emory students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.