SBTS vs. RU

Comparable Facts

Compare The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky with Radford University in Radford, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than SBTS based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 4,298 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is located in Louisville, Kentucky (Large City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 16:1; Radford University 14:1.

SBTS vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SBTS or RU? 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 Radford University than SBTS ($16,749 vs. $21,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are 32.3% lower than at Radford University ($8,466 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 13.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SBTS (about $1,502 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.1% higher at RU than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (about $14,587 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (94% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 635.9% larger than aid received by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary students ($11,870 vs. $1,613).

SBTS vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SBTS or RU? 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 RU and SBTS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1120) is 70 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming SBTS students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at RU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1010/1230; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19/27; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SBTS - Required; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SBTS Jul 15, 2027.
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than SBTS (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.9% at SBTS vs. 14.4% at RU.

SBTS vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SBTS and RU? 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).

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.