Sewanee vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Union University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Sewanee vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sewanee or Union University? 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 Union University than Sewanee ($28,452 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 20.3% lower than at The University of the South ($12,780 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 40.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $16,095 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.2% higher at Sewanee than at Union University (about $16,095 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union 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 23.4% larger than aid received by Union University students ($37,171 vs. $30,120).

Sewanee vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sewanee or Union University? 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 Union University and Sewanee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 50 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 1260/1390; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 27/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sewanee - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Sewanee vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Sewanee vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sewanee and Union University? 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $5,840 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($196 vs. $256).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 66%)

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.