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The University of the South vs Union University

The University of the South is a private university in Sewanee, TN, and Union University is a private university in Jackson, TN. The University of the South is the more selective of the two, admitting about 57% of applicants against 60% at Union University. Union University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,171 a year against $27,872 at The University of the South. About 81% of students graduate at The University of the South, compared with 68% at Union University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of the South alumni earn a median of about $64,911, against $53,990 for Union University.

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The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private

Union University

Jackson, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Sewanee, TN
Jackson, TN
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
1,607
1,607
Acceptance rate
57%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
1160–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,872
$27,171
Full cost / yr
$71,986
$58,363
In-state tuition
$56,120
$40,025
Out-of-state tuition
$56,120
$40,025
Application fee
$0
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,485
$25,839
$30k - $48k
$10,704
$26,181
$48k - $75k
$17,746
$23,891
$75k - $110k
$22,563
$27,841
Over $110k
$38,762
$30,373
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
68%
Freshman retention
89%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,456
$45,505
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,911
$53,990
Median debt at graduation
$22,855
$20,714
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
25%
First-generation students
13%
33%
International students
4%
2%
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 Union University harder to get into?
The University of the South is harder to get into. It admits about 57% of applicants, compared with 60% at Union 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 Union University?
Union University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,171 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 Union University?
Before aid, Union University costs about $58,363 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 Union University?
The University of the South. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,485 there, against about $25,839 at Union University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Does The University of the South or Union University have a better graduation rate?
The University of the South has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 68% at Union University.
Do graduates of The University of the South or Union 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 $53,990 for Union University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of the South and Union 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. Union University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do The University of the South and Union University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at The University of the South and 1160–1390 at Union 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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