About

About The University of the South

episcopal liberal artssewanee mountain campussmall class sizesstrong premed programs

The University of the South is a private liberal arts college in Sewanee, TN, known for its episcopal liberal arts, sewanee mountain campus, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 52%, The University of the South is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 416 students each year. The University of the South is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1230–1357, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. The University of the South offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $40,123 per year; the sticker price of $66,480 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

The University of the South acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

52%
Overall Accept Rate
1294
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1230 – 1357 (test optional)

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ED advantage at The University of the South: ED acceptance rate is 70% vs 52% regular decision, more than double. If The University of the Southis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to The University of the South

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Sewanee's culture of honor, tradition, and the physical landscape of the Domain are central to its identity, so use your essays to show genuine curiosity about place-based learning and community obligations rather than just academics. Admissions readers want to see that you understand Sewanee is a lifestyle, not just a degree.
Application Strategy
Sewanee takes its Honor Code seriously, so anywhere on your application where you can speak to personal integrity, self-governance, or community accountability, do it specifically and concretely with your own experiences. Vague statements about honesty will not stand out the way a real story will.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What The University of the South actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$66k/yr$10.5k
30k-48k~$66k/yr$10.7k
48k-75k~$66k/yr$17.7k
75k-110k~$66k/yr$22.6k
110k+~$66k/yr$38.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

82%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$53k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,836
Undergrad Enrollment
The University of the South Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch