Muhlenberg College vs. Sweet Briar College

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than Sweet Briar College based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Sweet Briar College is in Sweet Briar, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sweet Briar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; Sweet Briar College 9:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. Sweet Briar College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg College 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 Sweet Briar College than Muhlenberg College ($21,322 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 4.5% lower than at Sweet Briar College ($14,548 vs. $15,230).
• Muhlenberg College is 140.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sweet Briar College (about $36,645 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.1% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Sweet Briar College (about $36,645 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College as at Sweet Briar College (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 90% larger than aid received by Sweet Briar College students ($42,545 vs. $22,387).

Muhlenberg College vs. Sweet Briar College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College 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 Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 120 points higher than at Sweet Briar College (1210).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Sweet Briar College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Sweet Briar College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sweet Briar College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Sweet Briar College has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 13.2% at Sweet Briar College.

Muhlenberg College vs. Sweet Briar College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Sweet Briar College's (70%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than Sweet Briar College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than Sweet Briar College graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sweet Briar College graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sweet Briar College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 72%)

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.