- 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 12,808 students (79% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 45%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 12,808 students
- Private-state tuition: $19,475
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 48%
- 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
Doctoral/Professional Universities
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
152 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South College has grown by 350% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The South College diversity score of 0.62 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has grown by 24% over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,808 students
699 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
10,138 students
426 students
# Part-Time Students
2,670 students
273 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
107 students
504 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
8,203 students
426 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
1,935 students
12 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,505 students
335 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
165 students
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
195 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
4%
% Hispanic
3%
6%
% Black
33%
19%
% White
52%
55%
% Hawaiian
n/a
9%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
60%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
39%
52%
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 $13,174. The private state tuition has grown by 14% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$19,475
$13,174
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
97%
Median Debt for Graduates
$19,000
$11,059
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,334
$5,000
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: 2024 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to South College is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville (0.8 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
0.8 miles
| 971 students
10915 Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37933
(865) 694-6400
Knoxville, TN 37933
(865) 694-6400
10.5 miles
| 11,470 students
265 Elkins Rd
Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 566-9629
Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 566-9629
27.9 miles
| 257 students
1745 Harriman Highway
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 882-6703
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 882-6703
30.2 miles
| 525 students
276 Patton Lane
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 354-3000
Harriman, TN 37748
(865) 354-3000
36.4 miles
| 5,897 students
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