The University of the South SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Sewanee is test-optional, but with 43% of students submitting ACT scores, a strong result can still add useful weight. Aim for a 31 ACT to sit at the top of the middle range, or roughly a 1360 SAT if that test better reflects your strengths.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The University of the South facts and stats
The University of the South enrolls 1,644 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Sewanee has an 89% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 80%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8.6:1.
Sewanee, TN
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Key The University of the South application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
November 15
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Sewanee, aim to take your first test by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus fall retakes to improve your score or superscore. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is likely the last retake whose scores can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Sewanee is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $56,120. About 45% of students receive aid, the average merit award is $27,492, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 1.
At Sewanee, tuition, fees, room, and board total about $72,148 per year. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $48,491. Merit awards are also significant, averaging $27,492 for recipients. Graduates leave with an average debt of $29,813.
Student life at The University of the South
98% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 52% of men join fraternities, and 65% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Baptist College
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 100%
Aquinas College, Tennessee
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 51.9%
ACT: 21–26
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Belmont University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 95.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–30
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