SC vs. SWOSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (5,186 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Southwestern Oklahoma State University is in Weatherford, OK (Remote Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 19:1.

SC vs. SWOSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or SWOSU? 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University than SC ($14,410 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University are 20.4% lower than at Sterling College ($7,634 vs. $9,586).
• Sterling College is 297.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWOSU (about $25,231 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $8,469.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 296.5% higher at SC than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (about $25,201 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $8,499.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 165.8% larger than aid received by Southwestern Oklahoma State University students ($23,673 vs. $8,906).

SC vs. SWOSU Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming SC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at SWOSU).
• 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; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; SWOSU - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SWOSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at SC (3.46).

SC vs. SWOSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and SWOSU? 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have a $8,976 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($15,687 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, SWOSU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($162 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWOSU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 54%)

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.