Centra College vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Centra College in Lynchburg, VA with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Centra College is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Centra College 3:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

Centra College vs. MBC Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 8.2% lower than at Centra College ($11,411 vs. $12,424).
• Mary Baldwin University is 163.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $21,169 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.1% higher at MBC than at Centra College (about $21,169 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Centra College (99% vs. 0%).

Centra College vs. MBC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Centra College or MBC? 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 MBC and Centra College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centra College - Test-free; MBC - Not reported.

Centra College vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centra College and MBC? 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $14,958 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($12,042 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 53%)

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.