About Southern Adventist University
In 1892, Professor George Colcord and his wife, Ada, started Graysville Academy in Graysville, Tennessee, where 23 students enrolled that first year. After many expansions and name changes, the trustees voted to move the college toward university status in 1996. Later that year, they voted on a new name: Southern Adventist University.
Southern Adventist University is based on the idea that God’s purpose can transform your path and encourages students to combine their passion with God’s purpose. Dedicated to the beliefs of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the University is grounded in Jesus Christ and incorporates the Bible into every course.
Southern Adventist University offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in liberal arts subjects. For those requiring greater flexibility, such as working adults, there are online degree completion programs. Southern Adventist University online degrees are designed to support students as they finish college, setting them up for greater success. These online programs are faith-based and taught in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, community, diversity, academic excellence, and practicality.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Southern Adventist University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Seventh Day AdventistGraduate Enrollment:
454Fully Online Graduate Students:
45%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$24,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
90%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,429Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesSouthern Adventist University runs as a demanding, high-expectation path, especially in nursing. The pace is built for students who can carry a serious load and keep moving term to term. That structure can support strong career preparation, but it is not a light route and may stretch time to finish if course loads need to be reduced.
Cost pressure is a real part of the completion picture here. Tuition is described as adding “a whole lot of stress,” with blunt value frustration like “Where does all my money go?” and “a bit high priced.” Difficulty getting financial help also appears in the affordability experience, which can make persistence harder over a full program timeline.
At Southern Adventist University, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are hands-on and quick to help when students need it. In a smaller school setting, students are more likely to be known by name. That often leads to faster academic help and closer faculty relationships.
School offices can feel less smooth at times. Financial aid steps may take extra time and patience, and some processes feel old-fashioned. Even so, daily support from professors remains a clear strength for many students.
Online classes here fit students who want close instructor contact. Professors are known for personal support. One teacher even brought handouts to a sick student’s dorm. That shows fast, practical help when life interrupts school.
The pace is serious, not casual. Classes follow high expectations and steady effort. This school fits learners who want structure and regular instructor connection. It is better for students who prefer guided support over a hands-off format.
Classes at Southern Adventist University feel personal and close-knit. Professors stay involved in daily learning, and support is often hands-on. Grading is not built to be easy. The focus is strong teaching, clear standards, and steady academic challenge.
This pace works well for students who want rigorous training for future careers. The nursing program is known for high quality, clear expectations, and a serious workload. Some courses can feel strict, especially when flexibility is limited.
Christian values shape class life and school expectations in a clear way. Students who are comfortable with that structure are likely to feel at home.
Southern Adventist University is a solid choice for students who want close faculty support and serious academics. Many students feel known by their professors, and that personal care is part of daily life in classes.
Coursework moves at a strong pace, especially in nursing and other career-focused programs. This is not an easy path, but it can prepare students well for work after graduation.
Cost is a real note for some families, and aid may not always cover enough. The school is also clearly faith-centered, which can feel like a great fit for some students and too strict for others. Overall, the school offers caring instruction and strong preparation.
Southern Adventist University is a solid choice for students who want close faculty support and serious academics. Many students feel known by their professors, and that personal care is part of daily life in classes.
Coursework moves at a strong pace, especially in nursing and other career-focused programs. This is not an easy path, but it can prepare students well for work after graduation.
Cost is a real note for some families, and aid may not always cover enough. The school is also clearly faith-centered, which can feel like a great fit for some students and too strict for others. Overall, the school offers caring instruction and strong preparation.
Online Programs offered by Southern Adventist University
All Programs
Business
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Adventist University
Is Southern Adventist University accredited?
Yes. Southern Adventist University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Southern Adventist University offer?
Southern Adventist University offers 7 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Southern Adventist University offer?
Southern Adventist University offers graduate-level programs, including master's and doctoral pathways.
How should students contact admissions at Southern Adventist University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Southern Adventist University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Southern Adventist University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Southern Adventist University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Southern Adventist University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Southern Adventist University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Southern Adventist University military friendly?
Southern Adventist University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Southern Adventist University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Southern Adventist University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Interview, and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Southern Adventist University accept life experience credit?
Southern Adventist University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Southern Adventist University programs fully online or mixed?
Southern Adventist University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Southern Adventist University offer?
Southern Adventist University has online program options in areas such as Business, Nursing, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Southern Adventist University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Are any admission tests required for Southern Adventist University programs?
Some listed programs include GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Southern Adventist University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Southern Adventist University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Southern Adventist University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Southern Adventist University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Southern Adventist University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Southern Adventist University is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Southern Adventist University is located in Tennessee
Tennessee at a Glance:
Top Majors in Tennessee:
Top Incentives in Tennessee:
- Tennessee Promise: Covers community college tuition
Top Career Pathways in Tennessee:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE