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The University of the South vs Southern Adventist University

The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN, and Southern Adventist University is a private university in Collegedale, TN. The University of the South is the more selective of the two, admitting about 57% of applicants against 66% at Southern Adventist University. Southern Adventist University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,345 a year against $27,872 at The University of the South. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 50% at Southern Adventist University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $53,723 for Southern Adventist University.

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The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Sewanee, TN
Collegedale, TN
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,607
2,773
Acceptance rate
57%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
1020–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,872
$24,345
Full cost / yr
$71,986
$38,618
In-state tuition
$56,120
$27,300
Out-of-state tuition
$56,120
$27,300
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,485
$19,123
$30k - $48k
$10,704
$20,421
$48k - $75k
$17,746
$22,849
$75k - $110k
$22,563
$26,679
Over $110k
$38,762
$30,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
50%
Freshman retention
89%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,456
$44,818
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,911
$53,723
Median debt at graduation
$22,855
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
31%
First-generation students
13%
18%
International students
4%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 The University of the South or Southern Adventist University harder to get into?
The University of the South is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 66% at Southern Adventist 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, The University of the South or Southern Adventist University?
Southern Adventist University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,345 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 The University of the South and Southern Adventist University?
Before aid, Southern Adventist University costs about $38,618 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, The University of the South or Southern Adventist University?
The University of the South. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,485 there, against about $19,123 at Southern Adventist University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The University of the South or Southern Adventist University?
Southern Adventist University is the larger of the two, with about 2,773 undergraduates against 1,607 at The University of the South.
Does The University of the South or Southern Adventist University have a better graduation rate?
The University of the South has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 50% at Southern Adventist University.
Do graduates of The University of the South or Southern Adventist University earn more?
The University of the South alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,911 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,723 for Southern Adventist University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of the South and Southern Adventist University require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of the South is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Adventist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do The University of the South and Southern Adventist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at The University of the South and 1020–1300 at Southern Adventist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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