Sterling College vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than Sterling College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 57 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Craftsbury Common, VT (Remote Rural setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 7:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Sterling College vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sterling College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Sterling College ($11,483 vs. $21,854).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 0.6% lower than at Virginia Union University ($10,950 vs. $11,016).
• Sterling College is 133.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $23,310 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.6% higher at Sterling College than at Virginia Union University (about $23,310 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($32,556 vs. $17,524).

Sterling College vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sterling College or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University and Sterling College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sterling College - Test-free; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sterling College students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Sterling College (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Sterling College vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Sterling College vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sterling College and Virginia Union 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 (50%) is higher than Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $16,715 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($17,035 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Sterling College graduates have an estimated $172 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($176 vs. $348).
• More Sterling College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 19%)

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.