Brenau University vs. SVU

Comparable Facts

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

Brenau University is larger than SVU based on total student enrollment (2,436 students vs. 936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brenau University vs. SVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or SVU? 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 Brenau University than SVU ($19,743 vs. $24,561).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Virginia University are 23% lower than at Brenau University ($9,894 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 59.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SVU (about $12,747 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.9% higher at Brenau University than at Southern Virginia University (about $12,747 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Virginia University than at Brenau University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 162.2% larger than aid received by Southern Virginia University students ($26,325 vs. $10,041).

Brenau University vs. SVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Virginia University (1100) is 30 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming SVU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Southern Virginia University 943/1253.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Southern Virginia University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; SVU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at SVU (3.19).
• SVU has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 21.4% at SVU.

Brenau University vs. SVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Southern Virginia University's (25%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than SVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Virginia University graduates have a $3,346 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($23,654 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SVU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($244 vs. $279).
• More SVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.