Sewanee vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (38,728 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); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of the South 9:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Sewanee vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sewanee or Tennessee? 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Sewanee ($21,648 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 16.7% lower than at The University of the South ($13,356 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 306.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $42,308 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.8% higher at Sewanee than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $22,864 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 225.1% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($37,171 vs. $11,434).

Sewanee vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sewanee or Tennessee? 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 Tennessee and Sewanee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 40 points higher than at Tennessee (1290).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Tennessee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 1260/1390; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 27/31; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sewanee - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Sewanee vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Sewanee vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sewanee and Tennessee? 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville's (63%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee graduates ($19,000 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee graduates ($196 vs. $206).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 69%)

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.