Acceptance Rate
100%
“South College in Knoxville blends hands-on career training with a supportive, small-scale vibe for driven students.”
Knoxville, TN
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in Knoxville, Tennessee, South College stands out as a private, for-profit institution with a history dating back to 1882. Originally founded as Knoxville Business College, it has evolved over more than a century from a narrow focus on business skills to a broader mission of preparing students for practical, in-demand careers. Its legacy is rooted in accessibility, welcoming students from varied backgrounds with a 100% acceptance rate, making it a place where determination often matters more than a polished academic resume. The surrounding Knoxville area, with its mix of Southern charm and scenic Appalachian backdrop, offers a laid-back yet vibrant setting—think live music at Market Square and hiking trails in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains.
South College attracts students who are pragmatic and career-focused, often those eager to jump into fields like healthcare, business, or legal studies without the frills of a traditional liberal arts experience. If you’re someone who thrives on clear goals and direct paths to employment, you’ll likely feel at home here. However, the for-profit model can be a tradeoff—tuition sits at $16,450 for both in-state and out-of-state students, and some may find the focus on vocational outcomes limits exploration of less career-driven passions. The campus itself lacks the sprawling, historic feel of larger universities, which might disappoint those craving a classic college aesthetic.
The student body, with over 9,000 undergraduates, is diverse in age and experience, often including non-traditional students balancing work or family alongside studies. Knoxville’s lower cost of living compared to bigger cities can ease financial stress, though the area’s quieter pace might not suit everyone. If you’re looking for a bustling urban scene or a campus steeped in tradition, South College may feel a bit understated.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Degree Levels Offered
South College shines in career-oriented programs, particularly in healthcare fields like nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies, where hands-on training takes center stage. The curriculum is designed to get you into the workforce quickly, with associate and bachelor’s degrees that emphasize practical skills over theoretical depth—think clinical simulations rather than lengthy research papers. You’ll find smaller class settings in many programs, fostering direct interaction with instructors who often bring real-world industry experience to the table.
That said, the academic experience prioritizes efficiency over intellectual exploration, which can be a drawback if you’re seeking a broad, liberal arts foundation or deep research opportunities. Some popular programs, especially in healthcare, can be intense and demanding, requiring a strong commitment to keep up. If your goal is a clear career path with tangible skills, South College delivers, but those craving a more traditional or experimental academic journey might find the focus too narrow.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
8,782 undergrad • 2,775 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
51%
Black / African American
32%
Hispanic / Latino
2%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Knoxville, TN
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at South College is more functional than festive, reflecting its emphasis on career preparation over social traditions. You won’t find sprawling tailgates or historic rivalries here; instead, the vibe is quieter, with many students commuting or juggling outside responsibilities. That doesn’t mean connection is absent—smaller cohorts in programs like nursing often build tight-knit communities, and you can expect to bond over shared challenges in late-night study sessions. The Knoxville campus, while compact, offers a sense of accessibility, with most students focused on balancing academics with personal commitments.
Knoxville’s weather, with mild winters and humid summers, makes outdoor activities like exploring the nearby Smoky Mountains a popular escape, though the occasional rainy spell can dampen plans. Socially, the scene leans low-key—think local coffee shops over wild party hubs—which suits focused students but might bore those seeking a lively college-town energy. Housing isn’t a major campus feature, as many opt to live off-site, and the cost of living in Knoxville remains relatively affordable compared to larger metro areas.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Athletics
Athletic Association
NAIA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$15,288
$30K – $48K
$16,064
$48K – $75K
$16,405
$75K – $110K
$17,929
$110K+
$19,479
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
52%
4 Years Graduation Rate
47%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$36,642
52% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at South College and return in the fall. 47% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
47%
4-6 years
3%
Non-grad
50%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private (For-Profit)
Tuition
$16,450
Acceptance
100%
Undergrads
8,782
4-Year Grad Rate
47%
Knoxville, TN 37909-0000
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