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The University of the South vs University of Charleston

The University of the South and the University of Charleston, while both offering excellent educational opportunities, present distinct differences that may influence your college decision. The University of the South, nestled in the picturesque town of Sewanee, Tennessee, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 49%, while the University of Charleston, located in the vibrant city of Charleston, West Virginia, offers a more accessible admissions process with an acceptance rate of 85%. In terms of student body demographics, The University of the South's student population is predominantly White (78%), while the University of Charleston's student body is more diverse, with a significant proportion of African American (18%) and international students (10%). Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into these differences and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
The University of the South logo

The University of the South

 		University of Charleston logo

University of Charleston

Overview

Location Sewanee, Tennessee Charleston, West Virginia
Campus setting Rural: Distant City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 90.0% 74.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 60.3% 69.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25
Graduate: $50
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 1,984
Total number of admissions given out 2,508 1,383
Admitted students who chose to enroll 474 246
Yield rate 18.9% 17.8%
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 $47,450
Average net price $29,626 $20,086
Tuition $49,146 $30,900
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,314
Meal plan: $6,798
Room/dormitory: $5,450
Meal plan: $4,350
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 95.0%
Average amount $35,383 		99.0%
Average amount $24,484
Students receiving federal student loan 74.0%
Average amount $5,329 		57.0%
Average amount $5,403
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0 		1.0%
Average amount $10,756

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 1,735
Men 47.1% Women 52.9% 		2,162
Men 58.6% Women 41.4%
Graduate students 85
Men 58.8% Women 41.2% 		764
Men 58.0% Women 42.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students 77.6% 35.1%
International students 3.9% 6.1%
Campus local/setting Rural: Distant City: Small
Dormitory capacity 1,800 756
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 West Virginia Ohio Virginia Florida Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Social Sciences
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Theology
  • History
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.2% 43.0%
Dropout rate 1.9% 20.9%
Transferred out 17.9% 35.1%
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
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,123
  • Year 2: $119,148
  • Year 3: $126,458
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,686
  • Year 2: $96,627
  • Year 3: $106,180
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,859
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,910
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,671
  • Year 2: $57,564
  • Year 3: $60,223
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,971
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $51,510
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,904
  • Year 2: $44,928
  • Year 3: $50,637
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,786
  • Year 2: $46,321
  • Year 3: $49,711
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $43,798
  • Year 3: $46,400
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,569
  • Year 3: N/A
Security Policy and Strategy (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the overall academic reputation of The University of the South (Sewanee) compared to the University of Charleston?

    The University of the South (Sewanee) generally holds a stronger national academic reputation, particularly known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and strong humanities programs. The University of Charleston, while also offering quality education, has a more regional focus and is known for its programs in health sciences and business.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Sewanee and Charleston?

    Sewanee boasts a unique and secluded campus environment on a mountaintop, offering a close-knit community and a strong sense of tradition. The University of Charleston has a more urban campus located in the state's capital, providing easier access to city amenities and professional opportunities.

  • What are the typical class sizes at each university?

    Both universities prioritize small class sizes, but Sewanee generally has slightly smaller classes, fostering more personalized attention from professors. This is a key feature of Sewanee's liberal arts approach. The University of Charleston also maintains small class sizes, ensuring students receive individual support.

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

    The University of the South (Sewanee) typically has a higher tuition cost compared to the University of Charleston. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make education more accessible. It's recommended to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial aid.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at Sewanee?

    Sewanee is particularly strong in the humanities, including English, history, and philosophy. It also has a well-regarded pre-med program and a strong focus on undergraduate research. The university's commitment to a liberal arts education provides a broad foundation for various career paths.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at the University of Charleston?

    The University of Charleston excels in health sciences, including nursing, and business programs. It also offers strong programs in education and criminal justice. The university's focus on career-oriented programs prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce.

  • How does the student life experience differ at each university?

    Sewanee offers a traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on community, residential life, and extracurricular activities. The University of Charleston provides a more diverse student body and a wider range of activities due to its urban location. Both universities offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities.

  • What are the athletic programs like at each university?

    Sewanee competes in NCAA Division III athletics and is known for its strong athletic tradition. The University of Charleston competes in NCAA Division II athletics, offering a competitive environment for student-athletes. Both universities offer a variety of sports.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each university?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. The University of Charleston, due to its location, may offer more internship opportunities in the city. Sewanee also provides internship opportunities, often leveraging its alumni network.

  • Which university is a better fit for me if I'm looking for a strong sense of community?

    The University of the South (Sewanee) is generally known for its strong sense of community due to its small size, residential campus, and emphasis on tradition. However, the University of Charleston also fosters a sense of community, though it may be different due to its urban setting.

  • Which university is better if I am interested in pre-med?

    Both universities offer pre-med programs. Sewanee has a well-regarded pre-med program with a strong track record of placing students in medical schools. The University of Charleston also has a pre-med program, and its location may provide additional opportunities for clinical experience.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    Sewanee's remote location on a mountaintop provides a secluded and immersive college experience, ideal for students seeking a close-knit community and a focus on academics. The University of Charleston's urban location offers easy access to city amenities, internships, and a more diverse range of experiences.

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