Sewanee vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of the South in Sewanee, TN with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Adventist University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (3,229 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of the South is located in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of the South 9:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Sewanee vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sewanee or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University than Sewanee ($25,753 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 44.5% lower than at The University of the South ($8,900 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 105.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $28,820 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.6% higher at Sewanee than at Southern Adventist University (about $28,820 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at The University of the South (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 188.1% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($37,171 vs. $12,904).

Sewanee vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sewanee or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University and Sewanee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 170 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 1260/1390; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 27/31; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sewanee - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Southern Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (65.5%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Sewanee vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Sewanee vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sewanee and Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($196 vs. $274).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 63%)

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.