Benedict College vs. Sterling College

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College in Columbia, SC with Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Sterling College based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 57 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Sterling College is in Craftsbury Common, VT (Remote Rural setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Sterling College 7:1.

Benedict College vs. Sterling College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or Sterling 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 Benedict College than Sterling College ($18,665 vs. $21,854).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 34.7% lower than at Sterling College ($7,146 vs. $10,950).
• Sterling College is 133.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $23,320 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.7% higher at Sterling College than at Benedict College (about $23,320 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Benedict College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 144.1% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($32,556 vs. $13,335).

Benedict College vs. Sterling College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or Sterling 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 Sterling College and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Sterling College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Sterling College (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 10.9% at Sterling College.

Benedict College vs. Sterling College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and Sterling 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).

• Sterling College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $25,863 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($17,035 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Sterling College graduates have an estimated $267 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($176 vs. $443).
• More Sterling College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 13%)

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.