Alabama vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Alabama is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Alabama vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 The University of Alabama than Sewanee ($22,559 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 6.3% lower than at The University of the South ($15,016 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 360.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $43,940 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at Sewanee than at The University of Alabama (about $21,948 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at The University of Alabama (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 112.4% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($37,171 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 40 points higher than at Alabama (1290).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Alabama vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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 The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $100 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($196 vs. $245).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 59%)

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.