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Lee University vs The University of the South

Lee University is a private university in Cleveland, 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 71% at Lee University. Lee University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,878 a year against $27,872 at The University of the South. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 62% at Lee University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $43,222 for Lee University.

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cleveland, TN
Sewanee, TN
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,617
1,607
Acceptance rate
71%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1230
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
27–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,878
$27,872
Full cost / yr
$35,688
$71,986
In-state tuition
$23,790
$56,120
Out-of-state tuition
$23,790
$56,120
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,834
$10,485
$30k - $48k
$13,845
$10,704
$48k - $75k
$17,029
$17,746
$75k - $110k
$19,699
$22,563
Over $110k
$24,641
$38,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
81%
Freshman retention
82%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,082
$53,456
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,222
$64,911
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$22,855
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
16%
First-generation students
31%
13%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Mar 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 Lee 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 71% at Lee 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, Lee University or The University of the South?
Lee University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,878 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 Lee University and The University of the South?
Before aid, Lee University costs about $35,688 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, Lee 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 $12,834 at Lee University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lee University or The University of the South?
Lee University is the larger of the two, with about 2,617 undergraduates against 1,607 at The University of the South.
Does Lee 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 62% at Lee University.
Do graduates of Lee 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 $43,222 for Lee University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lee University and The University of the South require SAT or ACT scores?
Lee University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. The University of the South is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lee University and The University of the South look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1230 at Lee University and 1260–1390 at The University of the South. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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