Chances of Getting Into Sewanee: The University of the South
Sewanee, Tennessee • Private University • #44 National • Founded 1857
Sewanee Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Sewanee SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Sewanee: The University of the South
Sewanee sits atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau on a 13,000-acre domain — one of the largest campuses in the world. Known as 'The University of the South,' Sewanee combines academic rigor with outdoor adventure, Southern traditions, and a close community.
Top Programs
What Makes Sewanee Unique
- 13,000-acre Domain — one of the largest campuses in the world
- Atop the Cumberland Plateau with stunning natural beauty
- Sewanee Review — the nation's oldest literary journal
- Students and faculty traditionally wear academic gowns to formal events
- Strong outdoor programs with hiking, climbing, and caving from campus
Sewanee Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Sewanee Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Sewanee: Admission Tips
Sewanee ED acceptance rate (~75%) is very high
Show you value the unique traditions and outdoor culture
Literary and writing interests resonate with Sewanee's heritage
Demonstrated interest matters — visit the stunning campus
Merit scholarships are available and can make Sewanee affordable
The Brutal Truth About Sewanee Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 50% acceptance rate, Sewanee rejected over 3,000 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Sewanee, having a 3.58 GPA and 1295 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Sewanee doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Sewanee genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 50%-acceptance-rate basket.
Sewanee Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Sewanee: The University of the South?
Sewanee: The University of the South has an acceptance rate of 50% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 6,000+ applicants, approximately 500 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Sewanee?
The average GPA of admitted students at Sewanee: The University of the South is 3.58. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.43, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Sewanee?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Sewanee students is 1210-1380. The average SAT score is 1295. For ACT, the range is 27-32 with an average of 30.
Is Sewanee hard to get into?
Yes, Sewanee: The University of the South is selective with an acceptance rate of just 50%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Sewanee cost?
Tuition at Sewanee: The University of the South is $52,600 per year, with total cost of attendance at $68,200. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $32,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Sewanee?
Your chances of getting into Sewanee: The University of the South depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 50% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Sewanee?
Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.
Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.
Popular Majors at Sewanee
Explore Your Chances by GPA
See which schools match your academic profile based on GPA alone.