Campus Vibe
Known for biology
The University of the South is a private institution in Sewanee with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1336, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.6K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
82% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,911 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,498.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
The University of the South Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1336
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
69.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (39)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
- •88% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •The six-ton marble cornerstone, laid on October 10th, 1860, and consecrated by Polk, was blown up in 1863 by Union soldiers; many of the pieces were collected and kept as keepsakes by the soldiers.
- •After the original was vandalized in 1998, a copy by Connie Erickson was unveiled on June 1, 2003.
- •The university's first convocation was held on September 18, 1868, with nine students and four faculty members present.
- •He attended the first Lambeth Conference (1868) in England and received financial support from clergy and laity of the Church of England for rebuilding the school.
- •In June 2006, Sewanee opened its School of Letters, a second graduate school.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average