Canisius vs. Sweet Briar College

Comparable Facts

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

Canisius University is larger than Sweet Briar College based on total student enrollment (2,451 students vs. 444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Sweet Briar College is in Sweet Briar, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sweet Briar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; Sweet Briar College 9:1.

Canisius vs. Sweet Briar College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius 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 Canisius University than Sweet Briar College ($19,666 vs. $21,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 11% lower than at Sweet Briar College ($13,560 vs. $15,230).
• Canisius University is 31.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sweet Briar College (about $8,340 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at Canisius than at Sweet Briar College (about $8,340 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Sweet Briar College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Canisius University students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Sweet Briar College students ($24,972 vs. $22,387).

Canisius vs. Sweet Briar College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius 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 Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sweet Briar College (1210) is 20 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Sweet Briar College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Sweet Briar College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Sweet Briar College (3.54).
• Sweet Briar College has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 13.2% at Sweet Briar College.

Canisius vs. Sweet Briar College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius 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 Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Canisius University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Sweet Briar College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Sweet Briar College graduates ($24,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sweet Briar College graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Sweet Briar College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 71%)

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.