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The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private · 1,607 students

The 13,000-acre campus is known as The Domain.

Acceptance rate

56.9%

SAT (mid 50%)

1260–1390

Avg net price

$27,872

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and The University of the South’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. The University of the South admitted 56.9% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 12601390 on the SAT and 2731 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what The University of the South actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Where voices are heard

Your voice will be heard, your contribution expected, and your opinion considered, challenged, and pushed in new directions, leading to the understanding that maybe everyone is right.

The curriculum offers 38 majors, 44 minors, and 3 certificates, fostering an environment where small classes encourage active participation and diverse perspectives.

  • 38 optionsDiverse fields of study
  • 44 optionsComplementary areas of focus
  • 3 programsSpecialized skill development

Verified from sewanee.edu and new.sewanee.edu and new.sewanee.edu and new.sewanee.edu and new.sewanee.edu and new.sewanee.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from sewanee.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $71,986, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $27,872.

All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and additional grants and tuition remissions are available through federal, state, or institutional sources.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $64,911.

Verified from sewanee.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Group study with friends, rock climbing on the Domain, or a spontaneous jam session, you'll find community here, but also space when you need it.

Located atop the Cumberland Plateau, the campus invites exploration, from rock climbing to a stroll through Abbo's Alley.

Outdoor-centricCommunity-focusedRural

Quick answers

The University of the South FAQ

Is The University of the South test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at The University of the South is optional.
How hard is it to get into The University of the South?
Very hard. The University of the South admits 56.9% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1260 to 1390 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does The University of the South cost?
The list price is about $71,986, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $27,872.
Is The University of the South worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $64,911 ten years after enrolling, and 81% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about The University of the South.

Spike answers from The University of the South’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.