SC vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

Washburn University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Washburn University 15:1.

SC vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Washburn 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 Washburn University than SC ($11,488 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 16.7% lower than at Washburn University ($9,586 vs. $11,501).
• Sterling College is 238.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $23,755 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.9% higher at SC than at Washburn University (about $12,751 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 142% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($23,673 vs. $9,781).

SC vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SC students have the same average high school GPA (3.46) as students at Washburn University (3.46).

SC vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Washburn 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $7,763 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($16,900 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($174 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 49%)

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.