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Bethel University vs The University of the South

Bethel University is a private university in McKenzie, TN. The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN. The University of the South admits about 57% of applicants and Bethel University about 60%, making The University of the South the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,595 a year at Bethel University after aid, and about $27,872 at The University of the South. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 35% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $47,482 for Bethel University.

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Bethel University

McKenzie, TN · Private

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
McKenzie, TN
Sewanee, TN
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,547
1,607
Acceptance rate
60%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1120
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
15–21
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,595
$27,872
Full cost / yr
$31,203
$71,986
In-state tuition
$18,712
$56,120
Out-of-state tuition
$18,712
$56,120
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,871
$10,485
$30k - $48k
$17,356
$10,704
$48k - $75k
$11,713
$17,746
$75k - $110k
$10,473
$22,563
Over $110k
$15,163
$38,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
81%
Freshman retention
54%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,990
$53,456
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,482
$64,911
Median debt at graduation
$27,249
$22,855
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
16%
First-generation students
51%
13%
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jul 25
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bethel University or The University of the South harder to get into?
The University of the South is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 60% at Bethel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or The University of the South?
Bethel University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,595 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,872 at The University of the South. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bethel University and The University of the South?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $31,203 a year and The University of the South about $71,986. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bethel University or The University of the South?
The University of the South. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,485 there, against about $11,871 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or The University of the South?
The University of the South is the larger of the two, with about 1,607 undergraduates against 1,547 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or The University of the South have a better graduation rate?
The University of the South has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 35% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel University or The University of the South earn more?
The University of the South alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,911 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,482 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and The University of the South require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of the South is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and The University of the South look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1120 at Bethel University and 1260–1390 at The University of the South. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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