SC vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Midwestern State University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (5,324 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

SC vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than SC ($11,215 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 13.8% lower than at Midwestern State University ($9,586 vs. $11,124).
• Sterling College is 218.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $23,120 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 169% higher at SC than at Midwestern State University (about $21,170 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Midwestern State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 114.5% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($23,673 vs. $11,037).

SC vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is 20 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming SC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 12.9% at MSU.

SC vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $2,364 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($22,299 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($230 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 56%)

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.