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Fisk University vs The University of the South

Fisk University is a private university in Nashville, TN, and The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN. Fisk University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 37% of applicants against 57% at The University of the South. The University of the South is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,872 a year against $32,020 at Fisk University. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 35% at Fisk University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $45,454 for Fisk University.

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Fisk University

Nashville, TN · Private

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Nashville, TN
Sewanee, TN
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,035
1,607
Acceptance rate
37%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1510
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,020
$27,872
Full cost / yr
$39,450
$71,986
In-state tuition
$25,858
$56,120
Out-of-state tuition
$25,858
$56,120
Application fee
$35
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,647
$10,485
$30k - $48k
$32,474
$10,704
$48k - $75k
$34,204
$17,746
$75k - $110k
$34,974
$22,563
Over $110k
$26,678
$38,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
81%
Freshman retention
74%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,604
$53,456
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,454
$64,911
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,855
Student body
Pell grant recipients
52%
16%
First-generation students
27%
13%
International students
0%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jul 15
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 Fisk University or The University of the South harder to get into?
Fisk University is harder to get into. It admits about 37% of applicants, compared with 57% 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.
Which is cheaper, Fisk University or The University of the South?
The University of the South is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,872 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,020 at Fisk University. 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 Fisk University and The University of the South?
Before aid, Fisk University costs about $39,450 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, Fisk 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 $27,647 at Fisk University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fisk University or The University of the South?
The University of the South is the larger of the two, with about 1,607 undergraduates against 1,035 at Fisk University.
Does Fisk 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 Fisk University.
Do graduates of Fisk 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 $45,454 for Fisk University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fisk University and The University of the South require SAT or ACT scores?
Fisk 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 Fisk University and The University of the South look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1510 at Fisk 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