SC vs. SNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Nazarene University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (2,198 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Southern Nazarene University is in Bethany, OK (Large Suburban setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Southern Nazarene University 15:1.

SC vs. SNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or SNU? 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 Southern Nazarene University than SC ($23,295 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Nazarene University are 1.2% lower than at Sterling College ($9,474 vs. $9,586).
• Sterling College is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SNU (about $2,510 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $31,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at SC than at Southern Nazarene University (about $2,510 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $31,190.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College as at Southern Nazarene University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Southern Nazarene University students ($23,673 vs. $23,175).

SC vs. SNU Admissions comparison

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

• Southern Nazarene 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; SNU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027; SNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at SNU (3.3).

SC vs. SNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and SNU? 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 Southern Nazarene University's (43%).
• Graduates from Southern Nazarene University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Nazarene University graduates have a $5,913 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($18,750 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, SNU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($193 vs. $255).
• More SNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SC students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.