SC vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tusculum University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (1,103 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

SC vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Tusculum University? 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 Tusculum University than SC ($20,355 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 12.9% lower than at Tusculum University ($9,586 vs. $11,000).
• Sterling College is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tusculum University (about $4,450 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at SC than at Tusculum University (about $4,450 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Tusculum University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($23,759 vs. $23,673).

SC vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is 20 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming SC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Tusculum University has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

SC vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Tusculum University? 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 Tusculum University graduates ($24,663 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SC graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tusculum University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 52%)

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.