MBC vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Radford University 14:1.

MBC vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 MBC ($16,749 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 8.7% lower than at Radford University ($11,411 vs. $12,504).
• Mary Baldwin University is 172.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $21,604 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.2% higher at MBC than at Radford University (about $8,519 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Radford University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 137% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($28,135 vs. $11,870).

MBC vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 20 points higher than at MBC (1030).
• Incoming RU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at RU (3.31).

MBC vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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 Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.