Navigating Admissions at South College: Understanding Acceptance and More
South College is a private institution located in Knoxville, TN, offering a range of undergraduate degrees across 59 majors. Founded in 1882, South College has grown to serve more than 20,000 students and boasts over 20,000 graduates. This article delves into various aspects of South College, including its acceptance rate, academic programs, rankings, and other factors relevant to prospective students.
South College: An Overview
South College is a medium-sized, private institution with a city setting. The college has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,782 students as of fall 2024. The student-faculty ratio is 23:1, and the academic calendar is quarter-based. South College operates as a proprietary institution.
Locations and Programs
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degree programs. These programs are available via campuses located in:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Marietta, Georgia
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Dallas, Texas
- Orlando, Florida
- Online
- CBE (Competency Based Education)
The college focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
Diverse Fields of Study
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as:
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- Physician Assistant Studies
- Pharmacy
- Business
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Dental Hygiene/Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Occupational Therapy
- Paralegal Studies
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them.
Understanding the Acceptance Rate
South College has an open admission policy, meaning it is non-competitive. The university reports the admission statistics without distinguishing between local and international students. The only requirement is a certificate of attendance or a high school diploma or a General Educational Development certificate. The acceptance rate is reported as 100%.
Rankings and Recognition
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, South College is ranked No. #395-434 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #189 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
EduRank Position
According to EduRank:
- In the World: #5503 of 14,131
- In North America: #1530 of 2,597
- In the United States: #1447 of 2,496
- In Tennessee: #31 of 56
- In Knoxville: #3 of 4
It is ranked #1144 of 2,335 For Pharmacy.
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Financial Aspects
Understanding the costs associated with attending South College is crucial for prospective students and their families.
Average Net Cost
The average net cost to attend South College is $16,584 per year. This is calculated as the sum of the average cost of tuition, room and board, books, and supplies, reduced by the amount of average financial aid received.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees for undergraduates are $16,450 for tuition and $1,485 for fees, regardless of whether the student is in-district, in-state, or out-of-state.
Financial Aid
South College students receive an average aid award of $13,698, with 90% of students receiving some form of aid.
Average Costs by Household Income
- <$30K: $16,059
- $30-48K: $17,219
- $48-75K: $18,193
- $75-110K: $23,707
- $110K+: $26,550
Academic Highlights
South College offers a variety of majors across different degree levels. The college has granted 471 bachelor's degrees across 28 programs, 308 master's degrees across 16 programs, and 263 doctorate degrees across 5 programs.
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Graduation and Retention Rates
South College has a graduation rate of 37%, which is among the 20% lowest for universities in the US. The full-time retention rate is 62%, while the part-time retention rate is 38%.
Student Life and Enrollment
As of fall 2024, South College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,782 students.
Enrollment Demographics by Race or Ethnicity
- White: 4220 (52%)
- Black or African American: 2636 (32%)
- Two or more races: 485 (6%)
- Nonresident Alien: 255 (3%)
- Asian: 235 (3%)
- Hispanic: 204 (3%)
- Race or Ethnicity unknown: 87 (1%)
- Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 31 (0.4%)
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 7 (0.1%)
Research and Publications
South College has published 1,926 scientific papers with 65,831 citations received. The research profile covers a range of fields, including Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Biochemistry, Genetics, Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, Organic Chemistry, and Computer Science.
Top Research Areas
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Accreditation
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels. South College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
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