Founded in 1857, Sewanee-The University of the South. is a Private college. Located in Tennessee, which is a city setting in Tennessee, the campus itself is Rural. The campus is home to 1,731 full time undergraduate students, and 84 full time graduate students.
The Sewanee-The University of the South Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 174 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Sewanee-The University of the South include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
43%
Application Deadline
15-Nov
Application Fee
0
SAT Range
ACT Range
Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,11% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 12 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 65% were in the top quarter, and 34% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Sewanee-The University of the South.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
78%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
33%
“All the time, including weekends”
11%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
89%
“I feel extremely safe”
56%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
78%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
78%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
38%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
50%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
11%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
22%
“We only party on weekends”
67%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
22%
“There might be people who do”
56%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
11%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
78%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
11%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
33%
“All the time, including weekends”
11%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
89%
“I feel extremely safe”
56%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
78%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
78%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
38%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
50%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
31 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
25 Students rated off-campus housing 1.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
32 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
32 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
32 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 63 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
32 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
31 Students rated local services 3.1 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
32 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
Sewanee-The University of the South REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Sewanee-The University of the South?
13 Students rated Sewanee-The University of the South
Finn
I love this school. The staff is so accommodating and understanding. The environment that the school is in is so magical and welcoming. The only downside, for me, is the location. It is secluded, so the nearest Walmart is 30 minutes away. Overall, this is such an amazing college and I am so beyond happy here. YSR
John
Amazing school. Amazing community of people. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Besides the architecture, which is gorgeous, the academic setting is beyond amazing. It seems like professors know you personally because of class sizes. People in your major are like your family, with you becoming a tight knit family as time goes on. All around it’s an amazing school.
Delainey
Hands down the best school ever
Trey
Campus is small but I love the university.
Sadira
Overall, I think Sewanee- The University of the South is the southern equivalent of an IVY League University. The academics are what sets Sewanee apart from other private universities in the south. What is most impressive is the availability of our professors and their genuine concern for each individual student. Sewanee is quite unlike any other University and a once in a lifetime sort of education.
Anna
Most of my professors made it their priority to make our priority academics. They held regular office hours and were accessible. The classes I took varied widely in rigor and intellectual stimulation. However, most professors seemed interested in facilitating and promoting rewarding and interesting dialogue. Many students, including myself, were very disappointed and unhappy with the lack of dining options. Also, this school is extremely expensive. The school should prioritize making all dorms air conditioned and mold-free before raising millions of dollars to do unnecessary renovations to already-nice spaces on campus. Most of the students party most of the week. There are parties to attend probably every night of the week, although I only ever went out one or two nights on the weekend. The parking situation also bothered many students while I was there. There are not enough parking spaces for students, staff, employees, and visitors. Even if there were no visitors, there would not be enough parking. Oftentimes I had to park 15 minutes away from my dorm because there was no parking. After paying $75 for a parking permit, I really wanted to be able to park near the building where I lived.
Emily
Sewanee- The University of the South has a breath taking view which is settled upon a mountain in a sucluded setting. They have a wonderful buffet for the students. The faculity to students is 13-1 so very small classes.
The only draw back to this campus is no stores close if you need anything.
R
Sewanee is academically amazing. However, it is an extremely toxic environment. Expect to know of, and be expected to ignore, multiple unprosecuted or unpunished rapists before you graduate. If you’re unlucky enough to be assaulted, expect incompetent assistance from the wellness center — if you can get off the waiting list.
Emily
It has beautiful places to hike and friendly people. The academics are hard but it will definitely pay off. This is the perfect school for anyone that wants to have a great education. All professors are hands on with their students and it makes for a perfect student-teacher relationship.
John
Overall I think Sewanee is a great school. There's a lot of things to do for fun if you like outdoors stuff but other than that there really isn't much. The closest cities to Sewanee are about an hour away. The academics are really awesome, however, and I've never had a negative experience in a class or with a professor.
Dylan
Literally just had to fill this whole thing out again twice. Not detecting my college right now...............................................................................................................................................................................
Caroline
Sewanee has my heart and soul. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else and having the same experiences and relationships with friends, faculty, and staff. There are plenty of opportunities for students to work, play, and be healthy. The miles and miles of trails, the welcoming community, and the traditions are some of what makes Sewanee so great. YSR!
Mo
Sewanee is an amazing school, It very academic and rigorous. However it is on top of a mountain so shops and store are limited, there are some things to do besides party but not a ton. There is always something party wise happening but it doesn't mean that you have to partake in drinking or drugs.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Sewanee-The University of the South is 43%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell a student to go with their gut. Visit a school as many times as you need to figure out where you fit best. Trust that everything will all work out. Once you are attending a college make the most of it. Explore extracurricular activities and take advantage of all your college has to offer. Sign up for clubs and make friends. Don't just focus on grades, those are important, but so is having a true college experience.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
School that balances schoolwork with having fun without sacrificing the true values of education, friendship, and motivation associated with all liberal arts colleges.
My classmates are wonderful people who I interact with on a daily basis. We all have a great time and can pick each other up if the need arises.
Since I am atheater major, I have a lot of demonstrative classmates, and it is interesting to see each students' personality evolve through the year.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Sewanee has unique traditions, truly caring professors, beauitful gothic arcitecture, and thought provoking classroom experinces. It is situated on the Cumberland plateau in Southeastern Tennessee on 12,00 acres. No other school would have allowed me to have the opportunities to get involved that Sewanee has: outing program to borrow hiking, repelling, caving equipment; study aborad programs, volunteer organizations, encouragement to start my own community groups, shape school policies, join a Greek organization, play varsity, club and intramural sports. The University of the South is an undiscovered gem.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had understood how many students follow the "work hard, play hard philosophy." I was never pressured to party or drink and did not spend my high school years doing such activities. It definitley shocked me at first, but no one really cared if I was drinking water or beer. Also, iIwas hesitant at first about applying because the school is very unique and strange on paper. The visit made all of the difference for me. The University of the South is definitely a school you need to experience to truly understand the feeling of the place.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
People who love big cities and do not enjoy being in a rural town would not enjoy Sewanee. Those who do not like doing outdoor activities would probably also not enjoy the extra curricular activities that Sewanee has to offer. If shopping and stores are important to a person, Sewanee would not be the place to attend college.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
Over my two and a half years at Sewanee I have enjoyed and bragged about a great many things to past friends and family, some being it's fantastic social life, the teacher and students relationships, and the people I have met and have grown to know. But the thing I brag about most is the natural beauty Sewanee has to offer. Both on and off campus I have been amazed by the natural beauty Sewanee has been able to maintain. The school has done an amazing job working with the surrounding envrionment to keep it clean and prestine.
A person desiring a small, liberal arts college campus should take a look at Sewanee. A person who does not mind being away from the main artery of a city, and appreciates natural beauty should take a look at Sewanee as it is secluded on its' own mountain. While definitely not a requirement (because I'm not one) someone who enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, rafting would most certainly enjoy what Sewanee has to offer.
I think Sewanee brings out the best in people. The students administer a 100-year-old honor system. Many of them work in 20 community service groups. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, welcomes all faith traditions, and encourages discussion of ethical questions in class. Sewanee classes are small, so that there is close contact with faculty—and plenty of faculty support. Class discussions at Sewanee benefit from a tradition of active student participation.
Sewanee’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate academic honor society, was founded more than 8- years ago. Sewanee has sent 25 Rhodes Scholars to Oxford—a record exceeded by only 15 other institutions. About 55 percent of Sewanee graduates go on to earn advanced degrees.
I am an alumnus of Sewanee and serve on the Board of Trustees as an alumni representative. I loved my time at Sewanee and feel it prepared me well for the rest of my life. I go back often, which is a great source of pleasure to me.
At Sewanee there is an emphasis on learning to write well, in the environment that is home to the Sewanee Review, the nation’s oldest continuously published literary quarterly. Almost half of the students study or travel abroad and return to share their experiences on campus.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
85% of students attending Sewanee-The University of the South receive some sort of financial aid.
15% were awarded federal grants.35%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.