Fisk University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Fisk University in Nashville, TN 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 the South is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,724 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fisk University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fisk University 12:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Fisk University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisk University 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 Fisk University than Sewanee ($18,595 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 9.3% lower than at The University of the South ($14,540 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 117% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $30,262 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117% higher at Sewanee than at Fisk University (about $30,262 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Fisk University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 63% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($37,171 vs. $22,811).

Fisk University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fisk University 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 Fisk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is the same as at Sewanee (1330).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 1140/1510; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 19/24; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisk University - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.8% at Fisk University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Fisk University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisk University 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($196 vs. $268).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 38%)

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.