SC vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

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

Mary Baldwin University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

SC vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than SC ($17,810 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 16% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($9,586 vs. $11,411).
• Mary Baldwin University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SC (about $452 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at MBC than at Sterling College (about $452 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($28,135 vs. $23,673).

SC vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is the same as at MBC (1030).
• Incoming SC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at MBC (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at SC (3.46).

SC vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and MBC? 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Sterling College's (48%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 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 MBC graduates ($24,663 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SC graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.