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Colleges / VA / Sweet Briar
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Sweet Briar College

Private nonprofit Sweet Briar, VA · Rural · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$51,943
Earnings (10yr)
$17,758
Net Price
76%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 76%, Sweet Briar College is a welcoming option for students looking for a supportive environment. This small, private college in Virginia has an enrollment of just 443, making it easy to get to know your professors and peers. Students here often pursue degrees in fields like Biology, Psychology, Engineering, and Business. The intimate setting fosters collaboration, allowing for a personalized educational experience.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $51,943 ten years after finishing their studies. This figure suggests that a degree from Sweet Briar can lead to stable job opportunities, especially in fields like Social Sciences and Biomedical studies. The college has a reasonable net price of $17,758, making it more accessible for many families when compared to larger institutions.

When considering finances, keep in mind that the median debt for graduates is $27,000. While this is a significant amount, the college’s affordability, coupled with a 31% Pell Grant rate, allows many students to graduate with less financial burden. Sweet Briar tends to attract students who appreciate a tight-knit community and are eager to engage deeply in their studies. If you're looking for a college experience that blends academic rigor with personal growth, this could be a good fit.

Rankings

How Sweet Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$52KNet Price$18KRetention69%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate31%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$15K$48-75K$25K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%308.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2614.0%MOBILITY80.72%

Cost & Financial Aid

$26,160
In-State Tuition
$26,160
Out-of-State
$17,758
Avg Net Price
$27,000
Median Debt
31%
Pell Grant Rate
47%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,734
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,568
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,247
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,710
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,533
6 Years After Entry
$46,254
8 Years
$51,943
10 Years
0.52x
Debt-to-Earnings
62%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,533 6yr $46,254 8yr $51,943 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

80.72%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2614.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
308.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$109,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.66
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
18.5%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 76%
Retention Rate 69%
SAT Average 1230
ACT Midpoint 25
SAT Range 1100–1310
Full-Time Faculty 62%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,914
Diversity Index 0.49
First-Gen Students 23%

Top Programs

Biology & Biomedical 18%
Social Sciences 15%
Psychology 14%
Engineering 13%
Business & Marketing 10%
Visual & Performing Arts 9%
English & Literature 5%
Education 1%