SC vs. Mission University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Mission University in Springfield, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sterling College is larger than Mission University based on total student enrollment (694 students vs. 434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Mission University is in Springfield, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mission University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Mission University 7:1.

SC vs. Mission University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Mission 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 Mission University than SC ($23,118 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mission University are 8.2% lower than at Sterling College ($8,800 vs. $9,586).
• Sterling College is 98.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mission University (about $16,750 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $16,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.8% higher at SC than at Mission University (about $16,750 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $16,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Mission University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 303.7% larger than aid received by Mission University students ($23,673 vs. $5,864).

SC vs. Mission University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SC or Mission University? 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 Mission University and SC.

• Mission University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Mission University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.

SC vs. Mission University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Mission University? 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 (48%) is higher than Mission University's (26%).
• Graduates from Sterling College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Mission University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mission University graduates have a $1,898 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($22,765 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, Mission University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($235 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mission University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 59%)

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.