Brenau University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA with Radford University in Radford, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Radford University 14:1.

Brenau University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or RU? 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 Radford University than Brenau University ($16,749 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 2.7% lower than at Brenau University ($12,504 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 171.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $21,479 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.7% higher at Brenau University than at Radford University (about $8,394 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Radford University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 121.8% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($26,325 vs. $11,870).

Brenau University vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or RU? 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 RU and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 20 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Brenau University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Brenau University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 48%)

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.