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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs The University of the South: which has better ROI?

Public, Knoxville TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Sewanee TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,904 in 6.4 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $60,249 vs $64,911 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleThe University of the South
Net price / yr$18,976$27,872
Total net cost$75,904$111,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,249$64,911
Median debt$20,500$22,855
Payback6.4 yrs6.7 yrs
20-year net return$161,876$219,532

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, at $18,976 a year after aid versus $27,872 — a gap of $8,896 a year, or $35,584 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South graduates earn more?

The University of the South graduates report a median $64,911 ten years after entry, $4,662 more than the $60,249 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South?

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,855 at The University of the South, a difference of $2,355. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at The University of the South, against 74% at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs The University of the South: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South a better value?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. It clears its $75,904 net cost in about 6.4 years versus 6.7 years at The University of the South, on median earnings of $60,249 vs $64,911 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: $18,976/yr net price after aid versus $27,872/yr at The University of the South — a difference of $8,896 a year, or about $35,584 over four years.
Do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or The University of the South graduates earn more?
The University of the South graduates earn a median $64,911 ten years after entry, versus $60,249 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — a $4,662 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.