Sewanee: The University of the South Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 24, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors-style programs and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~57%
- Middle 50% ACT: 26–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1220–1363
- Average GPA (HS): Not reported
Source: Sewanee Office of Admissions (most recent published data). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Sewanee at a Glance
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/apply/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/sewanee-the-university-of-the-south/tuition-and-costs
💰 Cost of Attendance at Sewanee: The University of the South (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus at Sewanee. Because Sewanee is a private university, there is no in-state vs. out-of-state tuition distinction.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (incl. billed books) | $58,726 | $58,726 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,628 | $16,628 |
| Total (Direct / Billed) — Comprehensive Fee | $75,354 | $75,354 |
Why only these items? We include the costs families typically pay directly to Sewanee. Sewanee uses a “comprehensive fee” model that bundles tuition, fees, books, housing, and a meal plan into the billed total. Other indirect costs still matter for budgeting and aid eligibility, including:
- Supplies and personal expenses (Sewanee suggests budgeting about $1,500/year)
- Transportation/travel (varies by distance; Sewanee suggests roughly $400–$1,200/year)
- Health insurance (if not already covered)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average federal net price is approximately $33,616 per year after grants and scholarships (College Board/IPEDS).
That number includes students across income levels.
To see why “average” can be misleading: families under $30,000 in household income typically see net price closer to $10,970 (federal net price by income band).
Use Sewanee’s cost page and the federal net price breakdown to sanity-check estimates.
- Lower-income family (<$30k): With need-based aid plus EQB merit, net cost can fall near the ~$11k range cited in federal data.
- Middle-income family (~$90k, ACT 28–29): EQB merit plus selective “hidden gem” awards often determines whether loans stay manageable.
- High-income family, ACT 32+: Merit-only scenario; EQB is likely, but full-ride awards remain extremely rare and shouldn’t be assumed.
Parent takeaway: Sewanee’s affordability varies widely by income and academic profile — the “average” net price hides a big range.
In addition to the FAFSA, Sewanee requires the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for institutional need-based grants. This is common at private colleges and helps the financial aid office evaluate family circumstances in more detail.
- Required for Sewanee-funded need-based aid
- Used alongside the FAFSA — not a replacement
- Missing CSS Profile requirements can reduce institutional aid even if FAFSA is filed on time
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Sewanee
Why does Sewanee list a “comprehensive fee” instead of separate tuition and fees?
Sewanee bundles multiple billed items into one comprehensive fee. That total includes tuition, fees, books, housing, and a meal plan — so the sticker price you see is closer to what actually gets billed.
Is there any in-state discount for Tennessee residents?
No. Sewanee is private, so Tennessee residents and out-of-state students pay the same billed rates. Cost differences mainly come from merit scholarships and need-based aid.
How accurate is the $33,616 net price number?
It’s a verified federal average based on what students paid after grants/scholarships. Your real number could be higher or lower depending on family income, academic merit, and Sewanee’s aid offer — which is why the Net Price Calculator is worth using.
Does Sewanee guarantee you’ll graduate in four years?
Sewanee’s “Sewanee Pledge” includes a four-year graduation commitment (with one major). If a student meets the pledge requirements but can’t graduate in four consecutive years, Sewanee will provide up to one additional year of study tuition-free.
What are the biggest “surprise” costs families miss?
Even with a bundled comprehensive fee, families often underestimate travel (especially flights for long-distance students), personal expenses, and course-related supplies. Sewanee explicitly recommends budgeting for supplies/personal expenses and travel beyond the billed fee.
If Sewanee requires the CSS Profile, does that mean we won’t qualify for aid?
Not at all. The CSS Profile is simply the tool Sewanee uses to determine institutional need-based aid. Many middle-income families still qualify for some level of grant support — but only if they complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time.
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/tuition-fees/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/the-university-of-the-south/tuition-and-costs
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/the-sewanee-pledge/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Sewanee
Sewanee automatically considers every applicant for academic (merit-based) scholarships as part of the admission review. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EQB Award (Ecce Quam Bonum) |
$8,000 – up to full cost of attendance* Most awards fall in the five-figure range |
Holistic review at admission; typically ACT ~26–31* or SAT ~1220–1363* Strong academic rigor and fit |
No |
Yes — up to 4 years (with satisfactory academic progress) |
Admitted students who are academically competitive within Sewanee’s applicant pool; not limited to valedictorians or perfect scores |
ED I: Nov 15 EA: Dec 1 ED II: Jan 15 RD: Feb 1 |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients, published admissions profiles, and CollegeReadyParent analysis; actual thresholds can change by year.
Note: Sewanee’s scholarship language has evolved. Earlier publications listed lower maximums, but current Admission & Aid materials describe merit scholarships ranging from $8,000 up to the full cost of attendance. Higher awards are reserved for applicants at the very top of the pool.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Sewanee
Do I need to apply separately for the EQB Award?
No. Every applicant is automatically reviewed for EQB scholarships as part of the admissions process.
Is Sewanee test-optional for merit scholarships?
Yes. Students may apply without test scores and still be considered for merit aid.
However, applicants who submit strong ACT or SAT scores may be more competitive for higher award amounts.
Does superscoring actually help?
Yes. Sewanee superscores both the ACT and SAT, so submitting multiple test dates can meaningfully improve scholarship consideration.
Will EQB stack with other Sewanee scholarships?
Smaller departmental or program-based awards may stack.
However, large competitive scholarships (such as full-tuition or full-ride awards) typically replace some or all of the EQB amount rather than add on top.
When are merit decisions released?
Merit awards are usually announced alongside admission decisions:
mid-December for Early Decision I, late January for Early Action and ED II, and February for Regular Decision.
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/the-university-of-the-south/admissions
At Sewanee, there is no separate merit application. That means your student’s
Common App, transcript, and interview effectively are the scholarship application.
Students being considered for higher EQB amounts — and especially for rare flagship awards like
Benedict or Vice-Chancellor’s — tend to show strong writing, academic depth,
and clear intellectual curiosity, not just high test scores.
Action step: If Sewanee is a serious contender, schedule an
on-campus or virtual admissions interview and submit the application by
Dec 1 (Early Action) or earlier. At Sewanee, the interview is one of the few ways
students can actively strengthen their merit consideration.
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at Sewanee
These are Sewanee’s highest-value merit scholarships. Unlike automatic merit, these awards require additional steps (nomination, essays, interviews) and are extremely selective.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benedict Scholarship |
Full ride (Tuition, housing, meals) |
Top academic performance; exceptional intellectual curiosity, leadership, and campus contribution ACT ~30+* or SAT ~1400+* |
Yes — nomination + essays + interview |
Yes — up to 4 years (with SAP) |
A very small cohort of Sewanee’s strongest applicants nationwide; academic excellence plus clear leadership and impact |
Nomination typically due with application Finalists notified after admission |
| Wilkins Scholarship | Full tuition |
Outstanding academic achievement and engagement ACT ~29–31* or SAT ~1350–1450* |
Yes — separate scholarship application |
Yes — up to 4 years (with SAP) |
Highly competitive academic students just below full-ride level; strong writers and interviewees | Typically aligns with Early Action / Regular Decision timelines |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | $20,000–$35,000 per year* |
Strong academics and leadership; competitive review beyond EQB ACT ~28–31* or SAT ~1300–1450* |
Yes — additional materials required |
Yes — up to 4 years (with SAP) |
Applicants competitive for top merit but not selected for Benedict/Wilkins | Varies by round; typically post-admission |
*Score ranges are estimates based on past recipients, published admissions profiles, and CollegeReadyParent analysis. Sewanee does not publish fixed cutoffs, and actual thresholds vary by year.
Note: Competitive awards may replace some or all automatic merit. Final award structures are determined by Sewanee’s Financial Aid Office at the time of offer.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Sewanee
Do I have to apply separately for these scholarships?
Yes. Unlike automatic EQB merit, flagship scholarships require additional steps such as essays, recommendations,
and sometimes interviews or nominations.
If my student wins a flagship scholarship, do they keep their EQB award?
Usually not. High-value scholarships like Benedict or Wilkins typically replace automatic EQB merit
rather than stack on top of it.
How competitive are these awards?
Extremely. Only a small fraction of admitted students are selected.
Strong academics are necessary but not sufficient — writing quality, intellectual engagement, leadership, and fit matter heavily.
Should test-optional students apply?
They can, but students submitting strong ACT or SAT scores are often more competitive at this level,
especially for full-tuition or full-ride consideration.
When will finalists be notified?
Typically after admission decisions are released.
Some awards involve finalist interviews held in late winter or early spring.
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/
🎖 Honors & Special Programs at Sewanee
Sewanee does not have a centralized Honors College. Instead, honors opportunities are program- or department-based and emphasize advanced coursework, research, and cohort experiences.
| Program | Award / Benefit | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who It’s Best For | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carey Fellows Business Honors Program |
$1,000 internship stipend (often paired with paid internship) |
Strong academic performance; interest in business, economics, or commerce | Yes — program application | Yes (must maintain ~3.33 GPA) | Students seeking a selective, cohort-based business honors experience |
Incoming first-years: typically March 15 Sophomores: fall semester |
| Departmental Honors |
Honors designation at graduation (thesis or capstone required) |
Strong major GPA (often ~3.5+) and faculty approval | Yes — through the department | N/A (academic designation) | Students considering graduate school, research, or advanced study | Varies by department (often junior year) |
FAQ — Honors & Special Programs at Sewanee
Does Sewanee have an Honors College?
No. Sewanee offers honors through selective programs like Carey Fellows and through departmental honors within majors.
Can students enter honors programs as first-years?
Sometimes. Carey Fellows accepts applications from incoming first-year students after admission as well as from sophomores. Most departmental honors begin later.
Is Carey Fellows a scholarship?
Not in the traditional sense. It’s an honors-style business program with a $1,000 internship stipend, not a tuition award.
Do honors programs increase merit aid?
Usually not directly. Merit aid is awarded through admissions; honors programs focus on academic depth, mentorship, and research.
https://new.sewanee.edu/academics/babson-center-for-global-commerce/carey-fellows-business-honors-program/
https://new.sewanee.edu/academics/
⭐ College Specialty
Sewanee: The University of the South is best known as a classic residential liberal arts college with an outsized academic reputation for its size. Set atop the Cumberland Plateau on a 13,000-acre campus, Sewanee combines a strong humanities tradition with serious science and environmental study, all within a close-knit academic community that emphasizes writing, discussion, and faculty mentorship.
Environmental Studies & Sustainability — Sewanee’s location on the Cumberland Plateau is not just scenic; it’s academic. Students regularly use the surrounding forests, wetlands, and research reserves as living laboratories, making Sewanee especially well known for environmental science, forestry, and sustainability-focused interdisciplinary study.
- Liberal Arts & Writing-Intensive Education: Sewanee is nationally recognized for its emphasis on writing, critical thinking, and seminar-style courses across all majors.
- English & Creative Writing: Long regarded as a flagship program, with strong placement into graduate programs, publishing, and writing-focused careers.
- Biology & Pre-Health Pathways: Small class sizes, hands-on research, and close faculty advising support strong outcomes for medical and graduate school applicants.
- International & Global Studies: Interdisciplinary programs combining politics, history, languages, and study abroad, with strong preparation for global careers and graduate study.
🔗 Official Sewanee Links
Use Sewanee’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/ -
Application Types & Deadlines:
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/application-process/ -
Scholarships & Institutional Aid:
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/ -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/cost-financial-aid/ -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/sewanee -
Admitted Student Profile & Outcomes:
https://new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/application-process/application-review/