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Southwestern College vs Sterling College

Southwestern College is a private college in Winfield, KS. Sterling College is a private college in Sterling, KS. Sterling College admits about 48% of applicants and Southwestern College about 76%, making Sterling College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,371 a year at Sterling College after aid, and about $29,824 at Southwestern College. About 35% of students graduate at Southwestern College, compared with 34% at Sterling College. Ten years after enrolling, Southwestern College alumni earn a median of about $55,646, against $45,846 for Sterling College.

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS · Private

Sterling College

Sterling, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Winfield, KS
Sterling, KS
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
924
538
Acceptance rate
76%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.3–4
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1220
938–1123
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,824
$22,371
Full cost / yr
$58,432
$47,185
In-state tuition
$39,822
$33,700
Out-of-state tuition
$39,822
$33,700
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,294
$19,068
$30k - $48k
$28,688
$19,236
$48k - $75k
$30,032
$21,975
$75k - $110k
$31,315
$23,525
Over $110k
$32,739
$26,602
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
34%
Freshman retention
56%
50%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,034
$40,722
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,646
$45,846
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
37%
First-generation students
40%
34%
International students
2%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Southwestern College or Sterling College harder to get into?
Sterling College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 76% at Southwestern 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, Southwestern College or Sterling College?
Sterling College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,371 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,824 at Southwestern 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 Southwestern College and Sterling College?
Before aid, Sterling College costs about $47,185 a year and Southwestern College about $58,432. 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, Southwestern College or Sterling College?
Sterling College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,068 there, against about $26,294 at Southwestern College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Southwestern College or Sterling College?
Southwestern College is the larger of the two, with about 924 undergraduates against 538 at Sterling College.
Does Southwestern College or Sterling College have a better graduation rate?
Southwestern College has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 34% at Sterling College.
Do graduates of Southwestern College or Sterling College earn more?
Southwestern College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,646 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,846 for Sterling College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southwestern College and Sterling College require SAT or ACT scores?
Southwestern College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sterling College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Southwestern College and Sterling College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1220 at Southwestern College and 938–1123 at Sterling College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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