SC vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Sterling College is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (694 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

SC vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than SC ($20,429 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 21.6% lower than at Bluffton University ($9,586 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SC (about $3,662 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Bluffton University than at Sterling College (about $3,662 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 33% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($31,481 vs. $23,673).

SC vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming SC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

SC vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Sterling College's (48%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $2,337 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($24,663 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SC graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SC students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 60%)

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.