The University of the South

A spirit of intellectual curiosity and close community defines the academic life at the University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, where a commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education empowers students to explore broadly across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and fine arts. Rooted in the traditions of the Episcopal Church and founded in 1857, Sewanee's approach fuses an intimate, discussion-driven classroom experience with deep personal mentorship, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning alongside specialized expertise. This distinctive environment unfolds across a breathtaking 13,000-acre campus—known as the Domain—situated atop the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Tennessee. Within this extraordinary natural setting, leadership is cultivated through a residential culture that emphasizes honor, community engagement, and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge that extends well beyond the classroom walls.

Close mentorship and undergraduate-centered teaching are the hallmarks of the Sewanee experience, where the campus functions as a living laboratory for research, creative endeavor, and civic responsibility. With an 8.6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy direct access to accomplished faculty who are dedicated teachers and active scholars in their fields. Sewanee offers 38 majors, 44 minors, and several pre-professional pathways, and approximately 75 percent of students participate in some form of study abroad during their four years. For international applicants, Sewanee provides both need-based and non-need-based institutional financial aid, awarding 10 Global Scholarships annually that can cover the full cost of tuition, room, board, and fees. Through its blend of academic excellence, a stunning natural campus, and a tight-knit residential community where 98 percent of undergraduates live on campus, Sewanee graduates emerge prepared to lead purposeful lives of achievement and service.