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 (Sewanee) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 50.9%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
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) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Sewanee. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
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?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at The University of the South are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
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)
How much does a degree from Sewanee Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of the South is USD: 68704. 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.
How can I get a scholarship?
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 a Sewanee Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 64911. 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 USD: 40595
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, $64911 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 $68704 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
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.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.