SC vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union Commonwealth University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

SC vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than SC ($17,124 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 13.8% lower than at Sterling College ($8,261 vs. $9,586).
• Sterling College is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union Commonwealth University (about $2,754 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $30,946.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at SC than at Union Commonwealth University (about $2,754 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $30,946.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College as at Union Commonwealth University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($26,961 vs. $23,673).

SC vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SC or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University and SC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is 20 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming SC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Union Commonwealth University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

SC vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Sterling College earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $663 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($248 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 42%)

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.