- South College is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian academic institution dedicated to identifying and developing quality programs of study that promote the professional, intellectual, and personal growth of students. Accordingly, the institution offers diverse and well-balanced programs that encourage the development of independent learning and thinking at the baccalaureate, associate, and certificate levels.
School Highlights
South College serves 5,796 students (78% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 94%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 5,796 students
- Private-state tuition: $19,475
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 610 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
South College
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
610 staff
81 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South College has grown by 103% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 5:1 over five years.
The South College diversity score of 0.59 is more than the state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has grown by 18% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,796 students
592 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
4,547 students
369 students
# Part-Time Students
1,249 students
223 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
428 students
406 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,503 students
379 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
1,044 students
8 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,095 students
290 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
154 students
20 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
195 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
2%
% Asian
31%
17%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
3%
7%
% White
3%
6%
% Hawaiian
56%
66%
% Two or more races
2%
2%
% Unknown races
3%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.59
0.53
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.5824%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.3772%
0.3772%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$25,100
$29,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $19,475 is more than the state average of $13,551. The private state tuition has grown by 17% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$19,475
$13,551
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
97%
Median Debt for Graduates
$19,000
$11,730
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,334
$5,250
Acceptance Rate
100%
95%
SAT Reading
n/a
415
SAT Math
n/a
455
SAT Writing
n/a
469
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
19
ACT Math
n/a
19
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- South College has been a part of the fabric of downtown Knoxville since 1882. Throughout its long history, South College has endeavored to provide challenging educational opportunities for students in business, allied health, and legal fields. The college has achieved a high level of success during peer reviews from institutional/programmatic accrediting agencies, federal and state agencies, and independent audits. Students and graduates consistently indicate a high level of satisfaction with their experiences at South College and their achievement of personal and professional goals. Each program of study is designed to require general education courses that broaden students' exposure to diverse perspectives, develop oral and written communication skills, and enhance critical thinking skills. The complementary nature of the general education courses and the major curriculum components of each program enables the development of educated, responsible professionals who have the skills necessary to meet their personal goals and the demands of the employment market. South College offers baccalaureate degree programs including Nursing, Elementary Education, Business Administration, Health Science, and Legal Studies. Current associate degree programs include Radiography, Physical Therapist Assistant, Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Network Administration and Security, Business Administration, Accounting, Medical Assisting, and Office Technology. Medical Transcription, Legal Office Assistant, Professional Medical Coding, and Administrative Assistant are the certificate programs offered. South College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate and associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South College cost?
South College's private state tuition is approximately $19,475.
What schools are South College often compared to?
South Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Pellissippi State Community College by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of South College?
The acceptance rate of South College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 95%.
What is South College's ranking?
South College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Tennessee for: Diversity in US community colleges, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Largest student body.
Recent Articles
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
The article explores how community colleges are utilizing Labor Department grants, particularly the TAACCCT program, to develop workforce training programs. It highlights various initiatives across different states, focusing on industry-specific training and skill development in emerging sectors.
For-Profit Universities Looking to Partner with Community Colleges
This article examines the trend of for-profit universities, particularly the University of Phoenix, seeking partnerships with community colleges. It discusses the potential benefits and controversies surrounding these collaborations, focusing on transfer agreements and workforce training programs.
New Analysis Shows How California Community Colleges Could Cut Millions in Spending
The article discusses a California Watch analysis revealing potential savings in California's community college system through administrative consolidation. It explores the implications of such cost-cutting measures and the challenges in implementing them within the state's education system.