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The University of the South

Sewanee, TN·Private·www.sewanee.edu/
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Campus Identity

Lake LifeNCAA D3Greek LifePhD Programs

The University of the South is a small private nonprofit university in Sewanee, TN. Approximately 1,607 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 57% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Woods Reservoir, just 8 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 38/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

The University of the South is a small private nonprofit university in Sewanee, TN. Approximately 1,607 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 57% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Woods Reservoir, just 8 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 38/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

57%
Acceptance Rate
4,703 applications
29
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 27–31
$56,120
2024-25 Tuition
$27,872
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$16,028
Room & Board
21 meals/week
1,607
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
18%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
80%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity57% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

640670710

SAT Math

620660680

Campus Lifestyle

The University of the South is a 1,000–4,999, rural school with NCAA D3 athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 50 miles from Cloudmont Ski.

Athletics

NCAA D3

Southern Athletic Association

Greek Life

Greek Life Dominant

52% frats · 65% sororities

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Rural setting

Ski Access

50 miles

Cloudmont Ski

Weather

Warm Climate

52°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

The University of the South students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Cloudmont Ski, 50 miles away. All are within 161 miles of campus.

50 mi away
137 mi away
4 lifts
Cataloochee Ski Area

North Carolina

161 mi away
50 skiable acres5 lifts

Lake Life Campus

Woods Reservoir is 8 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving The University of the South students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Woods Reservoir

Lake access within 8.3 miles

8 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Sewanee, TN

Sewanee has a mild climate, with winters averaging 37°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.

37°Jan41°Feb49°Mar58°Apr65°May72°Jun75°Jul75°Aug69°Sep59°Oct49°Nov41°Dec

Station: SEWANEE · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

The University of the South in TN earns a composite safety score of 38/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

38/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety403636
40/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
36/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
36/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$56,120
Fees
$272
Room & Board
$16,028
Total
$72,420
Meal Plan: 21 meals/week
$27,872avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

40 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Psychology, GeneralBachelor's
46 grads/yr$58,715
EconomicsBachelor's
45 grads/yr$87,762
Political Science and GovernmentBachelor's
38 grads/yr$72,682
Biology, GeneralBachelor's
35 grads/yr$47,695
LiteratureBachelor's
34 grads/yr

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Economics
Bachelor's45 grads$87,762
Political Science and Government
Bachelor's38 grads$72,682
International/Globalization Studies
Bachelor's16 grads$70,907
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Bachelor's11 grads$59,821
Psychology, General
Bachelor's46 grads$58,715
English Language and Literature, General
Bachelor's$58,164
Biology, General
Bachelor's35 grads$47,695
Literature
Bachelor's34 grads
History
Bachelor's30 grads
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's29 grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The University of the South located?

The University of the South is located in Sewanee, TN. The main campus address is 735 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at The University of the South?

The University of the South has an acceptance rate of 57%, making it moderately selective. Out of 4,703 applicants, 2,676 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,607 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for The University of the South?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at The University of the South scored between 27 and 31 on the ACT, with a median of 29. About 37% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend The University of the South?

For the 2024-25 academic year, The University of the South charges $56,120/year in tuition. Including room and board ($16,028/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $49,418/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $27,872/year — what students actually pay. Use The University of the South's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

Does The University of the South have college sports?

Yes — The University of the South competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Southern Athletic Association. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is The University of the South the right fit for me?

Whether The University of the South is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (57% admit rate), avg net price ($27,872/year after aid), campus culture in Sewanee, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh The University of the South against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with The University of the South directly for the most current information.

Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Sewanee, TN
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
Southern Athletic Association
School Year Weather
Warm · 52°F avg
On Campus Safety Score
38/100
Nearest Airport
Chattanooga, TN (CHA) · 42 mialso HUA (57 mi), HSV (62 mi)

Location

Sewanee, TN

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.