Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

The University of the South

Sewanee, Tennessee Β· Rural: DistantOfficial Website β†—

#186
Nationally
#5
In Tennessee
51%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$53,418
Annual Tuition
per year
82%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
1,615
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
61/100
Good
#186 nationally
#5 in Tennessee
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes82
πŸ’°Affordability77
🎯Selectivity39
πŸ“šAcademic Environment24
πŸ”¬Program Breadth59

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

The University of the South is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Sewanee, Tennessee. With 1,615 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 51%, the institution is considered moderately selective. Annual tuition is $53,418, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $11,650 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate51%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
5,018
Applied
2,554
Admitted
449
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading633 – 710
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math603 – 688
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)27 – 32
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$53,418/yr
Room & Board$16,538/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$70,242/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$53,418↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$11,650
$30,001 – $48,000$13,107
$48,001 – $75,000$14,871
$75,001 – $110,000$20,658
Over $110,000$36,038
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate82%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
1,615
Total Undergrads
53% F / 47% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 81%
Hispanic 7%
Black 4%
Asian 1%
Two or more 3%
International 4%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 82%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Strong academic profile: SAT Math 25th percentile is 603
  • βœ“Small campus environment (1,615 students) β€” more personal attention and close-knit community
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($53,418/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Room and board costs ($16,538/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationSewanee, Tennessee
SettingRural: Distant
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$11,650
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#5
in Tennessee out of 7+ colleges
#186
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.