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The University of the South vs Tennessee State University

The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN. Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, TN. The University of the South admits about 57% of applicants and Tennessee State University about 70%, making The University of the South the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,796 a year at Tennessee State 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 33% at Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $42,730 for Tennessee State University.

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Sewanee, TN
Nashville, TN
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
1,607
4,848
Acceptance rate
57%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
880–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,872
$15,796
Full cost / yr
$71,986
$25,637
In-state tuition
$56,120
$8,616
Out-of-state tuition
$56,120
$22,416
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,485
$15,005
$30k - $48k
$10,704
$15,840
$48k - $75k
$17,746
$15,579
$75k - $110k
$22,563
$20,624
Over $110k
$38,762
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
33%
Freshman retention
89%
34%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,456
$34,160
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,911
$42,730
Median debt at graduation
$22,855
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
51%
First-generation students
13%
37%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Aug 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 The University of the South or Tennessee State University harder to get into?
The University of the South is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 70% at Tennessee State 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 Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,796 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 Tennessee State University?
Before aid, Tennessee State University costs about $25,637 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 Tennessee State University?
The University of the South. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,485 there, against about $15,005 at Tennessee State 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 Tennessee State University?
Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,848 undergraduates against 1,607 at The University of the South.
Does The University of the South or Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
The University of the South has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 33% at Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of The University of the South or Tennessee State 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 $42,730 for Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of the South and Tennessee State 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. Tennessee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do The University of the South and Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at The University of the South and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. 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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