Sewanee, TN · Private University
Is The University of the South Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$64,911
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$53,698
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$53,698
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$214,792
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.21x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
82.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,855
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$27,498
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
The University of the South graduates earn $19,911 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at The University of the South ranked by graduate earnings
42 graduates
26 graduates
18 graduates
28 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at The University of the South
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At The University of the South, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $65,318) and the lowest (Biology, General: $23,932) is $41,386/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $65,318 | 1.2x |
| Political Science and Government | $65,002 | 1.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $53,237 | 1.0x |
| International/Global Studies | $51,407 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $45,835 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $38,995 | 0.7x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $23,932 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
The University of the South delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $64,911 10 years after starting — $19,911 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.