Claflin University vs. Sterling College

Comparable Facts

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

Claflin University is larger than Sterling College based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 57 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Sterling College is in Craftsbury Common, VT (Remote Rural setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Sterling College 7:1.

Claflin University vs. Sterling College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University 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 Claflin University than Sterling College ($17,272 vs. $21,854).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 13.4% lower than at Sterling College ($9,480 vs. $10,950).
• Sterling College is 123% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $22,478 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123% higher at Sterling College than at Claflin University (about $22,478 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Claflin University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 96.2% larger than aid received by Claflin University students ($32,556 vs. $16,596).

Claflin University vs. Sterling College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University 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 Claflin University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; Sterling College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Sterling College (3.1).
• Sterling College has a higher acceptance rate (66.7%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 10.9% at Sterling College.

Claflin University vs. Sterling College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University 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 Claflin University's (40%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $15,149 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($17,035 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Sterling College graduates have an estimated $156 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($176 vs. $332).
• More Sterling College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 25%)

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.