The University of the South campus

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The University of the South

  • 9/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Sewanee, TN
  • 4.5 2 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in Tennessee
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

1,724
The University of the South overview
The University of the South overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Sewanee: The University of the South occupies a 13,000-acre campus atop the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Tennessee, approximately 90 minutes from both Nashville and Chattanooga. The Gothic-style campus, established in 1857 by Episcopal clergy, features native sandstone buildings and is known for its extensive system of protected forests and natural areas. This private liberal arts institution maintains selective admission standards and follows many traditional Oxford-Cambridge customs, including academic gowns worn by faculty and students who achieve academic distinction. While offering majors across the liberal arts and sciences, Sewanee has particular strength in English literature, environmental studies, and religious studies, supported by its School of Theology graduate program. Students are required to live on campus for all four years in residential colleges and historic dormitories, maintaining the university's emphasis on residential academic community.

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Ratings

Sewanee is rated within the top 19% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    9 out of 10
  • Academics
    9 out of 10
  • Resources
    10 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    8 out of 10
  • Value
    9 out of 10
Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for The University of the South within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High
The University of the South admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1260/1390
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 27/31

Acceptance Rate

56.9%
The University of the South applications overview
  • Applications Due Feb 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 17.9%
  • Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Average

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$56,120
Costs for The University of the South
Fee Cost
Tuition $56,120
Books and Supplies $500
Other Fees $298
Room and Board $16,028
Budget for Other Expenses $1,750
Total One Year Cost $74,696
View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

86% within 6 years
View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at The University of the South are Social Sciences, English and Literature, and Psychology. 17% of students major in Social Sciences, 14% in English and Literature, and 11% in Psychology.

  • Social Sciences 17%
  • English and Literature 14%
  • Psychology 11%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 11%
  • General Studies 10%
View All 34 Majors

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering The University of the South are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=221519.

GPA calculator: The University of the South GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026