Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar College is a private nonprofit university in Sweet Briar, VA ranked #1198 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 443 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 75.5%. Students most often pursue Business/Commerce.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 69.3% first-year retention, and 51.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $17,758, about $760 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.0%, roughly 135.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,533. That's about $8,155 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Sweet Briar College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Sweet Briar College graduates 51.8% of students within six years and keeps 69.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Sweet Briar College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $26,160 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,230 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,850 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,898 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.0% of Sweet Briar College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,734 to $24,710 depending on family income. Use Sweet Briar College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,188/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,710/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $35,533
- 10-Year Median Earnings $35,533
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.8%
- Employment Rate 81.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Sweet Briar College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Sweet Briar College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Sweet Briar College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Sweet Briar College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Sweet Briar College graduates earn $35,533 median, the -50.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-670
- SAT Math 540-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 443
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 69.3%
- Graduation Rate 51.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Sweet Briar College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Sweet Briar College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 75.5%, Sweet Briar College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 75.5% acceptance rate, Sweet Briar College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1100 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Sweet Briar College undergraduates. Fine and Studio Arts, Business/Commerce, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Fine and Studio Arts 13.4%
- Business/Commerce, General 12.5%
- Biology, General 9.8%
- Engineering Science 8.9%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 8.9%
- Psychology, General 8.0%
See more majors
- History 6.2%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 5.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business/Commerce, General $62,485
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Sweet Briar College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Engineering Science (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (23 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biology, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Engineering Science
- Psychology, General
- History
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Archeology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Physics
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Economics
- Chemistry
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Curriculum and Instruction
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 443
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 100.0%
- Caucasian 70.2%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 6.3%
- Black 8.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Sweet Briar College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Sweet Briar College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Sweet Briar College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Sweet Briar College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 100.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Sweet Briar College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Sweet Briar College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Sweet Briar College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.0% ROI. Ranked #1198 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $17,758 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $35,533 median earnings. With 51.8% graduating within six years and 69.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Sweet Briar College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1198 ranking, Sweet Briar College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $17,758 annually, Sweet Briar College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 69.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,431 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.0% ROI and $35,533 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $7,758+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Sweet Briar College ranks #1198 of 1942 institutions, with 1085 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 51.8% six-year graduation rate sits 10.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.3% first-year retention is 7.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.0% return on investment is 135.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $35,533 run about 19% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,758 is roughly $2,260 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 81.4% employment rate within three years sits 13.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.0% trails the national share by 3.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Sweet Briar College is a private nonprofit university based in Sweet Briar, VA and earns a B- overall grade. It is currently ranked #1198 nationally Completion earns B-, Support B, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
69.3% of learners come back after year one while 51.8% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -50.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,758 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,898.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,140 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $35,533 six years after entry. This is roughly 19% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 81.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -50.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
75.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Sweet Briar College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Sweet Briar, VA 24595-9998
- Website www.sbc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$69.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate30.9%