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Cumberland University vs The University of the South

Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, TN, and The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN. The University of the South is the more selective of the two, admitting about 57% of applicants against 67% at Cumberland University. Cumberland University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,759 a year against $27,872 at The University of the South. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 46% at Cumberland University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $57,687 for Cumberland University.

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Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN · Private

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lebanon, TN
Sewanee, TN
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,104
1,607
Acceptance rate
67%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1100
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,759
$27,872
Full cost / yr
$43,358
$71,986
In-state tuition
$27,840
$56,120
Out-of-state tuition
$27,840
$56,120
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,882
$10,485
$30k - $48k
$18,048
$10,704
$48k - $75k
$19,609
$17,746
$75k - $110k
$20,333
$22,563
Over $110k
$20,917
$38,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
81%
Freshman retention
59%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,246
$53,456
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,687
$64,911
Median debt at graduation
$17,952
$22,855
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
16%
First-generation students
41%
13%
International students
7%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Oct 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
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 Cumberland 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 67% at Cumberland 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, Cumberland University or The University of the South?
Cumberland University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,759 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 Cumberland University and The University of the South?
Before aid, Cumberland University costs about $43,358 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, Cumberland 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 $17,882 at Cumberland University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cumberland University or The University of the South?
Cumberland University is the larger of the two, with about 2,104 undergraduates against 1,607 at The University of the South.
Does Cumberland 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 46% at Cumberland University.
Do graduates of Cumberland 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 $57,687 for Cumberland University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cumberland University and The University of the South require SAT or ACT scores?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland University and The University of the South look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1100 at Cumberland University and 1260–1390 at The University of the South. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school