QUICK FACTS ABOUT SOUTHERN

IN THE CLASSROOM

Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Undergraduate Fields of Study: 75 baccalaureate majors, 20 associate majors, plus numerous emphases, minors, and certificate programs

Graduate Degrees:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master of Arts in Religion (MA)
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Ministry (MMin)
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MS)
Master of Science in Computer Science (MS)
Master of Science in Professional Counseling (MS)
Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Social Work (MSW)

Classes and Labs with Fewer than 30 Students: 78%

Full-time Faculty: 172

Accreditation: SACSCOC, AAA (with additional accreditations for individual schools and departments)

More about Student Achievement 

HONORS

U.S. News & World Report has identified Southern in "Best Colleges" rankings for 23 consecutive years. It also ranks Southern #3 as the most diverse regional university in the South.

UNIQUE PROGRAMS

Christian Service Program: Students, employees, and alumni participate together in community service activities through campus programs, including the university's annual MLK Service Day. This outreach is made possible by dozens of active community partners providing nonprofit opportunities to minister to refugees and the homeless, fight pediatric cancer and human trafficking, coach soccer, and mentor and tutor children, among others. The program's core focus is to address the needs of vulnerable groups identified in Matthew 25 by feeding the hungry and thirsty, welcoming strangers, attending to the sick and grieving, and caring for those imprisoned physically and mentally.

LifeGroups: Many students participate in student-led small groups to experience belonging, encounter a personal God, and become empowered as disciple-makers of Jesus.

Mental Health Quality Enhancement Plan: Committed to the well-being of the whole person and recognizing the challenges that many face, the university created a campus-wide initiative focused on mental health. Pointed to on-campus resources and special events, students also will interact with mental health content delivered in select general education courses and have opportunities to build healthy coping skills.

Southern Scholars: Highly motivated students are awarded a scholarship for participating in this interdisciplinary academic program. The program focuses on developing students' strong critical thinking skills that are relevant to both personal and academic life, while the depth and breadth of Scholars learning occurs within a campus community and with the mentorship of faculty from diverse fields.  

Study Abroad: Each year, dozens of students take classes in other countries.

Missions: Students have opportunities to spend a semester or year as full-time missionaries or to participate in short-term trips through the Student Missions and Humanitarian Engagement offices as well as the Evangelistic Resource Center.

COST

Tuition and General Fee: $27,300 (2024-2025 academic year)

Room and Board: $8,900

Books: $1,100 (estimate)

Average Package of Scholarships, Grants, and Loans for Full-time Students: More than $20,000 per year

Full-time Undergraduate Students Receiving Financial Aid: 98% 

Aid from Southern: More than $22 million in university-based funds are awarded to undergraduate students each year.

Cost Comparison: Tuition and fees at Southern cost 32% less than the national average for private colleges and universities and 16% less than public out-of-state colleges and universities. 

Return on Investment: Southern ranks #8 in Tennessee for 20-year net.