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Beacon College vs Ave Maria University

Beacon College is a private college in Leesburg, FL, and Ave Maria University is a private university in Ave Maria, FL. Ave Maria University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 41% of applicants against 43% at Beacon College. Ave Maria University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,860 a year against $53,517 at Beacon College. About 59% of students graduate at Beacon College, compared with 55% at Ave Maria University. Ten years after enrolling, Ave Maria University alumni earn a median of about $49,520, against $29,420 for Beacon College.

Beacon College

Leesburg, FL · Private

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Leesburg, FL
Ave Maria, FL
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
506
1,298
Acceptance rate
43%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1018–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$53,517
$24,860
Full cost / yr
$70,775
$46,129
In-state tuition
$51,680
$30,198
Out-of-state tuition
$51,680
$30,198
Application fee
$50
$10
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$47,601
$18,761
$30k - $48k
$47,213
$20,840
$48k - $75k
$52,117
$23,790
$75k - $110k
$55,423
$24,088
Over $110k
$58,721
$27,107
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
55%
Freshman retention
85%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$19,919
$43,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$29,420
$49,520
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$20,776
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
21%
First-generation students
19%
18%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 26

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Beacon College or Ave Maria University harder to get into?
Ave Maria University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 43% at Beacon College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Beacon College or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $53,517 at Beacon College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Beacon College and Ave Maria University?
Before aid, Ave Maria University costs about $46,129 a year and Beacon College about $70,775. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Beacon College or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,761 there, against about $47,601 at Beacon College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Beacon College or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University is the larger of the two, with about 1,298 undergraduates against 506 at Beacon College.
Does Beacon College or Ave Maria University have a better graduation rate?
Beacon College has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 55% at Ave Maria University.
Do graduates of Beacon College or Ave Maria University earn more?
Ave Maria University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,520 ten years after enrolling, against about $29,420 for Beacon College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Beacon College and Ave Maria University require SAT or ACT scores?
Beacon College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ave Maria University requires SAT or ACT scores.

Related comparisons

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