SWU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC with Longwood University in Farmville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Longwood University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Longwood University 15:1.

SWU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU or Longwood University? 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Longwood University ($20,134 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 41.9% lower than at Longwood University ($10,126 vs. $17,424).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 89.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $14,056 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at SWU than at Longwood University (about $1,822 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University than at Longwood University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($19,498 vs. $13,954).

SWU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU or Longwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Longwood University and SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming SWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Longwood University (3.59).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

SWU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU and Longwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 50%)

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.