PrivateSuburbanSouthern Adventist University
Collegedale, Tennessee 37315-0370
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
Southern Adventist University is a private institution in Collegedale with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1116, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.7K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,723 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,334.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Southern's roots stem from the establishment of Graysville Academy in Graysville, Tennessee, in 1892, in a part of the South much affected by the American Civil War.
- •The academy was privately funded at first, with no financial support from the Adventist church.
- •In 1897 it was renamed the Southern Industrial School and then Southern Training School in 1901.
- •The school moved to the community of Thatcher's Switch in 1916, renaming it Collegedale.
- •A new name, Southern Missionary College, was adopted in 1944, and Southern granted its first baccalaureate degrees two years later.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1116
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
56.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,000
Programs (134)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
18
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TN state average + suburban adjustment