
4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale, TN 37315, USA


Southern Adventist University holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a critical indicator of the university's adherence to established standards of quality and institutional effectiveness.
In addition to its regional accreditation, specific academic programs at Southern Adventist University maintain specialized accreditations. For instance, education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that the university meets rigorous standards for preparing teachers. Nursing programs are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), reflecting compliance with professional healthcare education criteria.
These accreditations provide prospective students with assurance that the university's degrees are recognized and meet professional standards, which can impact transferable credits, eligibility for licensure, and employment opportunities after graduation.
Southern Adventist University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent high school diploma. Submission of secondary school records and a minimum secondary school GPA are mandatory, while class rank is recommended but not required. Although the institution does not maintain an open admission policy, recommendations from others and demonstration of certain competencies are advised to strengthen an application.
Applicants must provide TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency, and while additional admission tests are not strictly required, submitting other standardized test results is suggested. The university accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits but does not offer dual credit or college credit upon admission.
Regarding standardized testing, the average SAT score of enrolled students is approximately 1154, and the average ACT score is 22. The acceptance rate at Southern Adventist University is relatively high at 98.5%, placing it in the bottom 45th percentile compared to national averages. The proportion of applicants who are admitted and those who ultimately enroll also reflects average levels, with enrollment figures around 758 students, divided nearly equally by gender.
Southern Adventist University requires prospective students to submit an application fee when applying for admission. This fee is a standard part of the application process, designed to cover administrative costs associated with processing the applicant's materials.
However, the university offers fee waivers in specific circumstances to reduce financial barriers. Eligible applicants may apply for these waivers based on criteria such as demonstrated financial need or participation in certain programs that encourage college attendance. Fee waivers help ensure that the application cost does not prevent qualified individuals from seeking admission.
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver should consult the university's admissions office or official website for the necessary documentation and application procedures. The availability of waivers underscores the institution's commitment to accessibility and support for a diverse student population.
Southern Adventist University does not host on-campus ROTC programs directly. However, students interested in pursuing ROTC may have the opportunity to participate through nearby institutions that offer these military training programs. This arrangement allows Southern Adventist University students to take part in ROTC training while completing their academic studies at their home institution.
Southern Adventist University welcomes transfer students during the fall, winter, and summer terms, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin studies. The institution evaluates transfer applicants with moderately difficult entrance requirements, reflecting a selective admission process that seeks to maintain academic standards.
Transfer credit acceptance is supported by the university, allowing students to bring credits earned elsewhere to count toward their degree programs. However, specific policies on credit from CLEP or DANTES exams are not publicly detailed, so prospective transfer students should seek further information directly from the university regarding these options.
Southern Adventist University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to provide students with immersive international experiences that complement their academic pursuits. These programs span multiple disciplines and are tailored to enrich students' global understanding through direct cultural engagement and academic study in diverse settings.
The university facilitates faculty-led short-term study tours, which typically take place during semester breaks and range from one to three weeks. These trips focus on specific themes or fields of study, providing intensive, in-country learning opportunities that integrate classroom instruction with real-world observation.
Additionally, Southern Adventist University partners with established international institutions, enabling students to participate in semester- or year-long exchanges. These programs allow for deeper academic exploration abroad, often including courses that can be credited toward degree requirements.
Students interested in healthcare, education, business, and other disciplines can find specialized internships or service-learning programs abroad arranged through the university. These experiences emphasize practical application and community involvement, enhancing professional skills while fostering cultural sensitivity.
Furthermore, the university supports self-directed study abroad initiatives. In such cases, students plan their own international academic experiences, subject to approval to ensure alignment with their academic goals and adherence to credit transfer policies.
Through its robust variety of study abroad options, Southern Adventist University aims to equip students with cross-cultural competencies and global perspectives essential for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1154Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
64%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
42%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Summer