- 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 11,557 students (84% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 25:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 11,557 students
- Private-state tuition: $19,475
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 52%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 916 teachers has grown by 50% over five years.
South College
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's 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
Year Founded
1882
Total Faculty
916 staff
38 staff
School Calendar
AccreditationAccred.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Student Body
The student population of South College has grown by 123% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 5:1 over five years.
The South College diversity score of 0.63 is more than the state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has grown by 27% over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,557 students
1,083 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
25:1
# Full-Time Students
9,688 students
416 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Part-Time Students
1,869 students
667 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
8,782 students
870 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
7,025 students
378 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Full-Time Graduate Students
2,663 students
93 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,757 students
739 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
112 students
64 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
8%
% Black
37%
20%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% White
48%
62%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.63
0.57
Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.386%
n/a
Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry (measured in 2022-2023, in 2024 dollars)
$45,099
$41,480
Points are in the dollars of their own College Scorecard release, and the colleges behind the state line differ by period. The lines do not show inflation-adjusted growth.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $19,475 is more than the state average of $13,503. The private state tuition has grown by 12% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$19,475
$13,503
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
93%
Showing 2013–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Median Debt for Graduates
$19,000
$11,059
Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,334
$5,000
Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data
Acceptance Rate
100%
95%
Source: 2025 (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 and Largest student body.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to South College is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (0.8 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
0.8 miles
Enrollment: 1,581 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
10915 Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37933
(865) 694-6400
Knoxville, TN 37933
(865) 694-6400
10.5 miles
Enrollment: 9,399 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 In-state tuition: $3,868 Out-state tuition: $14,932 Minority enrollment: 24%
265 Elkins Rd
Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 566-9629
Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 566-9629
27.9 miles
Enrollment: 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
1745 Harriman Highway
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 882-6703
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 882-6703
30.2 miles
Enrollment: 729 students Student-teacher ratio: 46:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
276 Patton Lane
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 354-3000
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 354-3000
36.4 miles
Enrollment: 5,002 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Acceptance rate: 99% In-state tuition: $4,271 Out-state tuition: $16,911 Minority enrollment: 21%
Recent Articles
Fast Credential or Degree Pathway? How to Choose
Short-term training has more funding options, but speed is only one consideration. Compare immediate job preparation with documented degree pathways, remaining coursework, future costs, and realistic plans for returning.
Aerospace & Chip Programs: Should You Follow the Funding?
New investment is expanding technical training, but funding alone should not determine your major. Learn how to evaluate funded programs, student access, career fit, and benefits for your entering class.
Should You Choose a Community College Program Built Around One Major Local Employer?
A community college program tied to one major employer can offer valuable training. Learn how to weigh specialized skills, local job dependence, and your options if that employer changes course.
