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University of Mary Washington vs Sweet Briar College

University of Mary Washington is a public university in Fredericksburg, VA. Sweet Briar College is a private college in Sweet Briar, VA. Sweet Briar College admits about 76% of applicants and University of Mary Washington about 80%, making Sweet Briar College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,758 a year at Sweet Briar College after aid, and about $20,667 at University of Mary Washington. About 67% of students graduate at University of Mary Washington, compared with 50% at Sweet Briar College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Mary Washington alumni earn a median of about $60,613, against $51,943 for Sweet Briar College.

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Sweet Briar, VA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
3,566
443
Acceptance rate
80%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1370
1100–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
21–27
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,667
$17,758
Full cost / yr
$31,137
$43,898
In-state tuition
$14,640
$26,160
Out-of-state tuition
$27,560
$26,160
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,304
$11,734
$30k - $48k
$11,061
$12,568
$48k - $75k
$15,477
$15,247
$75k - $110k
$26,212
$20,188
Over $110k
$30,986
$24,710
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
50%
Freshman retention
84%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,411
$35,533
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,613
$51,943
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
31%
First-generation students
25%
23%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College harder to get into?
Sweet Briar College is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 80% at University of Mary Washington. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College?
Sweet Briar College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,758 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,667 at University of Mary Washington. 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 University of Mary Washington and Sweet Briar College?
Before aid, University of Mary Washington costs about $31,137 a year and Sweet Briar College about $43,898. 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, University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College?
University of Mary Washington. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,304 there, against about $11,734 at Sweet Briar College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College?
University of Mary Washington is the larger of the two, with about 3,566 undergraduates against 443 at Sweet Briar College.
Does University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College have a better graduation rate?
University of Mary Washington has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 50% at Sweet Briar College.
Do graduates of University of Mary Washington or Sweet Briar College earn more?
University of Mary Washington alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,613 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,943 for Sweet Briar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Mary Washington and Sweet Briar College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Mary Washington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Sweet Briar College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Mary Washington and Sweet Briar College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1370 at University of Mary Washington and 1100–1310 at Sweet Briar College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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