The University of the South The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, founded in 1857 in Tennessee, is a prestigious private liberal arts college affiliated with the Episcopal Church. The 13,000-acre campus on the Cumberland Plateau offers comprehensive programs with particular strengths in English, forestry, and theology. Sewanee maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and is known for its distinctive Honors program and Rhodes Scholar production. Campus landmarks include the All Saints' Chapel and the newly renovated Spencer Hall. The university's athletic teams, the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division III.
Sewanee takes pride in its beautiful natural setting and commitment to environmental stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and undergraduate research across disciplines. Campus life includes a strong honor code and vibrant outdoor program. Recent additions include the new Wellness Commons and expanded science facilities. Sewanee's combination of academic excellence, stunning campus setting, and Episcopal tradition creates a distinctive liberal arts experience focused on intellectual and spiritual growth.
The University of the South Acceptance Rate
The University of the South is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of The University of the South is 50.9%. This means that 51 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
The University of the South Admission Requirements
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The University of the South (Sewanee) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
The University of the South Average SAT Score: 1336
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of the South is 1336 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1336 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1398 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of the South allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1236, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Sewanee.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 646 | 603 | 688 |
| SAT Reading | 672 | 633 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1336 | 1236 | 1398 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1236 then you are below most of the admitted students at Sewanee and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1398 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into The University of the South (Sewanee) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of the South (Sewanee) are good but the admission staff at Sewanee tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
The University of the South (Sewanee) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Sewanee is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The University of the South very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 29 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 32 |
Can I get into The University of the South with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The University of the South — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The University of the South use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The University of the South — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The University of the South uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30.Sewanee Profile
Name: The University of the South (Sewanee)
City: Sewanee
URL: www.sewanee.edu/
State: Tennessee
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 37383-1000
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into Sewanee Without SAT Or ACT?: The University of the South considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a Sewanee degree Worth It?
Getting into Sewanee can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Sewanee offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Sewanee is $69,500 and unemployment rate is 2.93%.
How much does a degree from Sewanee Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at The University of the South is $68,704. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The University of the South is much less than this.
14.88% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 30.13 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Sewanee and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of the South, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Sewanee as your choice in the form.
How much does a Sewanee Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $64,911. An average Sewanee graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of the South. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of the South. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1340 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of the South. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Economics
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of the South Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $64,911 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68,704 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 14.9% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The University of the South is 50.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to The University of the South is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1336 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1236-1398
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The University of the South.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.