SC vs. MWSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Western State University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (3,716 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Missouri Western State University is in Saint Joseph, MO (Small City setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Western State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Missouri Western State University 15:1.

SC vs. MWSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or MWSU? 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 Missouri Western State University than SC ($13,126 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 22.1% lower than at Missouri Western State University ($9,586 vs. $12,311).
• Sterling College is 227% more expensive for in-state tuition than MWSU (about $23,394 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $10,306.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.5% higher at SC than at Missouri Western State University (about $12,834 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $20,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Missouri Western State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 156.1% larger than aid received by Missouri Western State University students ($23,673 vs. $9,245).

SC vs. MWSU Admissions comparison

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

• Missouri Western State 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; MWSU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at MWSU (3.25).

SC vs. MWSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and MWSU? 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 Missouri Western State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Sterling College earn a median of about $900 more per year than MWSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Western State University graduates have a $2,845 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($21,818 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, MWSU graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($225 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MWSU 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.