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Roanoke College vs Sweet Briar College

Roanoke College is a private college in Salem, VA, and Sweet Briar College is a private college in Sweet Briar, VA. Sweet Briar College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 76% of applicants against 83% at Roanoke College. Sweet Briar College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,758 a year against $24,503 at Roanoke College. About 67% of students graduate at Roanoke College, compared with 50% at Sweet Briar College. Ten years after enrolling, Roanoke College alumni earn a median of about $58,047, against $51,943 for Sweet Briar College.

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salem, VA
Sweet Briar, VA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,767
443
Acceptance rate
83%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
1100–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,503
$17,758
Full cost / yr
$54,283
$43,898
In-state tuition
$38,068
$26,160
Out-of-state tuition
$38,068
$26,160
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,204
$11,734
$30k - $48k
$17,410
$12,568
$48k - $75k
$18,638
$15,247
$75k - $110k
$15,902
$20,188
Over $110k
$30,087
$24,710
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
50%
Freshman retention
76%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,330
$35,533
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,047
$51,943
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
31%
First-generation students
21%
23%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 15
Rolling

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 Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College harder to get into?
Sweet Briar College is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 83% at Roanoke 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, Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College?
Sweet Briar College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,758 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,503 at Roanoke 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 Roanoke College and Sweet Briar College?
Before aid, Sweet Briar College costs about $43,898 a year and Roanoke College about $54,283. 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, Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College?
Sweet Briar College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,734 there, against about $15,204 at Roanoke College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College?
Roanoke College is the larger of the two, with about 1,767 undergraduates against 443 at Sweet Briar College.
Does Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College have a better graduation rate?
Roanoke College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 50% at Sweet Briar College.
Do graduates of Roanoke College or Sweet Briar College earn more?
Roanoke College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,047 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,943 for Sweet Briar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Roanoke College and Sweet Briar College require SAT or ACT scores?
Roanoke College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sweet Briar College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Roanoke College and Sweet Briar College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Roanoke College and 1100–1310 at Sweet Briar College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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