Alfred University vs. Sweet Briar College

Comparable Facts

Compare Alfred University in Alfred, NY with Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alfred University is larger than Sweet Briar College based on total student enrollment (2,007 students vs. 444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); Sweet Briar College is in Sweet Briar, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sweet Briar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; Sweet Briar College 9:1.

Alfred University vs. Sweet Briar College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or Sweet Briar College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Sweet Briar College than Alfred University ($21,322 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sweet Briar College are 1% lower than at Alfred University ($15,230 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 58.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sweet Briar College (about $15,340 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.6% higher at Alfred University than at Sweet Briar College (about $15,340 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Sweet Briar College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 38.6% larger than aid received by Sweet Briar College students ($31,022 vs. $22,387).

Alfred University vs. Sweet Briar College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University or Sweet Briar College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Sweet Briar College and Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sweet Briar College (1210) is 10 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Sweet Briar College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; Sweet Briar College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sweet Briar College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Sweet Briar College has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 13.2% at Sweet Briar College.

Alfred University vs. Sweet Briar College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and Sweet Briar College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Sweet Briar College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Alfred University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Sweet Briar College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sweet Briar College and Alfred University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Sweet Briar College and Alfred University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sweet Briar College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.