The University of the South vs Berkeley

Nestled in the picturesque town of Sewanee, Tennessee, The University of the South stands in stark contrast to the bustling metropolis of Berkeley, California, where the University of California-Berkeley thrives. While both institutions offer a world-class education, they cater to distinct student populations and academic pursuits. With The University of the South boasting a highly selective acceptance rate of 49% compared to UC-Berkeley's 17%, prospective students face varying odds of admission. Furthermore, the student bodies reflect these differences, with The University of the South's predominantly White student population contrasting with UC-Berkeley's diverse student body. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your higher education journey.
The University of the South logo

The University of the South

University of California-Berkeley logo

University of California-Berkeley

Overview

Location Sewanee, Tennessee Berkeley, California
Campus setting Rural: Distant City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 90.0% 96.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 60.3% 14.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $120
SAT range 1200 - 1390 N/A
ACT range 26 - 31 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 25.0%
Students submitting ACT score 49.0%
Total number of applicants 4,162 112,843
Total number of admissions given out 2,508 16,295
Admitted students who chose to enroll 474 6,931
Yield rate 18.9% 42.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $66,480
In state: $37,920

Out of state: $67,674
Average net price $29,626 $17,652
Tuition $49,146
In state: $11,442

Out of state: $41,196
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,314

Meal plan: $6,798
$20,236
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

95.0%
Average amount $35,383
52.0%
Average amount $21,406
Students receiving federal student loan 74.0%
Average amount $5,329
15.0%
Average amount $4,586
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
6.0%
Average amount $7,122

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,735
Men 47.1% Women 52.9%
31,814
Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Graduate students 85
Men 58.8% Women 41.2%
13,222
Men 51.7% Women 48.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 77.6% 16.9%
International students 3.9% 18.0%
Campus local/setting Rural: Distant City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 1,800 9,630
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Tennessee Georgia North Carolina Texas Alabama California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Social Sciences
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Theology
  • History
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.2% 92.8%
Dropout rate 1.9% 6.3%
Transferred out 17.9% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,807
  • Year 2: $75,204
  • Year 3: $77,812
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,532
  • Year 2: $47,595
  • Year 3: $63,733
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,235
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: $52,168
International/Global Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $47,601
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,230
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: $38,096
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,774
  • Year 3: $33,693
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $15,922
  • Year 3: N/A
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,028
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: N/A
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $171,936
  • Year 3: $191,597
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $167,052
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $125,250
  • Year 2: $125,388
  • Year 3: $161,399
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $126,367
  • Year 2: $128,868
  • Year 3: $160,666
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $160,390
  • Year 2: $142,470
  • Year 3: $143,984
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $119,358
  • Year 3: $143,516
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,442
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $112,973
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,750
  • Year 2: $91,363
  • Year 3: $104,601
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,600
  • Year 2: $85,760
  • Year 3: $103,738
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,282
  • Year 2: $65,387
  • Year 3: $102,543

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location and campus environment between The University of the South (Sewanee) and UC Berkeley?

    Sewanee is located in a rural, secluded setting on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, offering a close-knit community and a strong emphasis on tradition and outdoor activities. UC Berkeley, on the other hand, is situated in a vibrant, urban environment in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing access to a diverse population, a bustling city life, and numerous research and career opportunities.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Sewanee and UC Berkeley?

    UC Berkeley is renowned for its large, comprehensive academic programs, offering a vast array of majors and research opportunities across various disciplines, including STEM fields, humanities, and social sciences. Sewanee, a smaller liberal arts college, emphasizes a strong core curriculum, close student-faculty interaction, and a focus on critical thinking and writing skills. While both offer excellent academics, their approaches and specializations differ significantly.

  • What is the student body like at each university?

    Sewanee has a smaller student body, fostering a strong sense of community and allowing for more personalized attention from faculty. Students often participate in campus traditions and activities. UC Berkeley has a much larger and more diverse student population, representing a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and perspectives. This diversity contributes to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between the two universities?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies significantly. UC Berkeley, as a public university, generally has lower tuition costs for in-state residents compared to Sewanee, a private institution. However, out-of-state tuition at UC Berkeley can be comparable to or even exceed Sewanee's tuition. Financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions, so it's essential to explore your options based on your individual circumstances.

  • What are the opportunities for research and internships at each university?

    UC Berkeley is a world-class research institution, providing extensive research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines. Its location in the Bay Area also offers numerous internship opportunities with leading tech companies, research institutions, and other organizations. Sewanee, while smaller, also offers research opportunities, particularly in the humanities and sciences, and has strong connections to regional organizations for internships and career development, though the scope is generally smaller than at Berkeley.

  • How do the campus cultures and social scenes differ?

    Sewanee's campus culture is characterized by its strong sense of community, traditions, and a focus on outdoor activities. Social life often revolves around campus events, Greek life, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. UC Berkeley's social scene is more diverse and dynamic, reflecting the diversity of its student body and its urban location. Students have access to a wide range of social activities, including cultural events, concerts, and nightlife in the Bay Area.

  • What are the strengths of each university?

    UC Berkeley's strengths lie in its academic excellence, research opportunities, diverse student body, and location in a vibrant urban environment. Sewanee excels in its close-knit community, strong liberal arts education, emphasis on critical thinking, and beautiful natural setting. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and academic goals.

  • Which university is better for someone interested in a specific field, such as engineering or the humanities?

    UC Berkeley is particularly strong in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences, as well as in many social sciences. Sewanee offers a strong liberal arts education, with particular strengths in the humanities, arts, and certain sciences. Consider your specific academic interests and career goals when making your decision.

  • How does the alumni network compare?

    UC Berkeley has a vast and influential alumni network, spanning across various industries and locations worldwide. This network can be a valuable resource for career opportunities and mentorship. Sewanee's alumni network, while smaller, is known for its strong loyalty and commitment to the university, providing a supportive community for its graduates.

  • What are the athletic programs like at each university?

    UC Berkeley competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with a wide range of sports and a strong athletic tradition. Sewanee competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. Both universities offer opportunities for students to participate in sports, but the level of competition and the focus on athletics differ significantly.

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