Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Sewanee, Tennessee
50.9% Acceptance Rate
The University of the South — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
50.9%Acceptance Rate
1336Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$68,704Annual Cost
$64,911Grad Salary
14.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
50.9%
Avg SAT
1336
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1236–1398
ACT Middle 50%
27–32
Need-Based Aid
14.9% receive Pell
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 moderately selective — 50.9% of applicants are admitted — with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What Sewanee Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 50.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
The University of the South Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for The University of the South is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 1.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 92 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 1
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Check Your Admission Chances at Sewanee
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of the South's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The University of the South (Sewanee) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Sewanee is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Sewanee Without SAT or ACT?
Sewanee considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
The University of the South Average SAT Score: 1336
The average SAT score of admitted students at The University of the South is 1336 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1336 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean, without being in elite-tier territory.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1398 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. Below average? The University of the South allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1236, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Sewanee. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's 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 |
Below 1236, you're behind most admitted students; at 1398 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
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?
A 1400 SAT puts you ahead of most of Sewanee's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
The University of the South (Sewanee) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Sewanee is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
An average of 30 is well above the national ACT mean.
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 puts you ahead of 75% of Sewanee's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Sewanee.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Sewanee
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Sewanee takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Don't hunt for a "Sewanee supplement" - there isn't one
Sewanee accepts only the Common App and requires no additional essay. Put your full effort into the Common App personal statement - it's the only essay Sewanee reads.
Line up two recommenders early
Sewanee requires two letters of recommendation, more than the single letter most peer liberal arts colleges ask for. Start those conversations with teachers well before deadlines.
Engage with trackable demonstrated interest
Sewanee explicitly monitors event attendance, college fairs, calls, and appointments. A campus visit or a real conversation with an admission counselor carries weight beyond grades and scores alone.
Decide your testing plan on purpose
Sewanee is test-optional across SAT, ACT, or no scores. A strong score adds real weight given the curriculum's rigor - submit if it helps your file, skip if it doesn't.
Expert Insight:
Students read "test-optional, no supplemental essay" as a lighter review, but Sewanee explicitly scores demonstrated interest - visits, fairs, calls - as part of the file. Applicants who only ever submit the Common App are missing a scored component.
Sewanee Profile
Full Name
The University of the South (Sewanee)
City
Sewanee
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37383-1000
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Sewanee Degree Worth It?
Whether Sewanee is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $69,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.93%.
How much does a degree from Sewanee Cost?
The sticker price is $68,704/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
14.9% of students receive a Pell Grant and 30.1% take federal loans at Sewanee — file your FAFSA early and list Sewanee as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Sewanee Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $64,911 — about 60% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Waltham, 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 | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
Degree Programs at Sewanee
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewanee Admissions
Median graduate earnings at The University of the South run about $64,911 a year.
At about $68,704 a year, The University of the South's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
The University of the South's Pell Grant rate of 14.9% sits below the national average — merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 50.9%, The University of the South's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
A strong SAT score matters at The University of the South — aim above 1336, ideally within the 1236–1398 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for The University of the South is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 1.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2026/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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