Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / TN / Collegedale
Southern Adventist University logo

Southern Adventist University

Private nonprofit Collegedale, TN · Suburban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$53,723
Earnings (10yr)
$24,345
Net Price
66%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Southern Adventist University is a great option for students interested in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, Visual & Performing Arts, and Psychology. With an enrollment of around 2,773 students and an acceptance rate of 66%, it offers a welcoming environment for those looking for a blend of personal attention and academic challenge. The university's focus on these programs means students can expect a curriculum that aligns well with current job market needs.

Looking at what happens after graduation, the average earnings for alumni ten years post-graduation stand at about $53,723. This figure gives a solid indication of the potential financial return on investment for students. While the graduation rate is 50%, it’s important to consider that many graduates find their niche and move into fulfilling careers, particularly in growth areas like health and business. This suggests that while the completion rate might seem low, the paths available to graduates can lead to meaningful opportunities.

When it comes to the financial aspect, the net price of attending Southern Adventist University after aid is about $24,345, with a median debt of $24,500. This level of debt is fairly manageable, especially considering the average earnings of graduates. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a supportive community and are drawn to the values promoted by the university, making it a good fit for individuals seeking both academic and personal growth.

Rankings

How Southern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$54KNet Price$24KRetention83%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate31%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$19K$0-30K$20K$30-48K$23K$48-75K$31K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%867.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2811.8%MOBILITY243.84%

Cost & Financial Aid

$27,300
In-State Tuition
$27,300
Out-of-State
$24,345
Avg Net Price
$24,500
Median Debt
31%
Pell Grant Rate
42%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$19,123
Family Income $0–$30K
$20,421
Family Income $30K–$48K
$22,849
Family Income $48K–$75K
$30,751
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$44,818
6 Years After Entry
$49,257
8 Years
$53,723
10 Years
0.46x
Debt-to-Earnings
63%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$44,818 6yr $49,257 8yr $53,723 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

243.84%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2811.8%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
867.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$80,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.65
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.0%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 66%
Retention Rate 83%
SAT Average 1129
SAT Range 1020–1300
ACT Range 19–25
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,732
Diversity Index 0.77
First-Gen Students 18%

Top Programs

Health Professions 38%
Business & Marketing 13%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
Psychology 5%
Education 3%
Communications 2%
Computer Science & IT 2%