Academic Comparison between VCU and Sweet Briar

Virginia Commonwealth University and Sweet Briar College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VCU is a four-year, public school located in Richmond, VA and Sweet Briar is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Sweet Briar, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • VCU is a public and Sweet Briar is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • VCU has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,884) than Sweet Briar ($26,160).
  • It is harder to admit to Sweet Briar than VCU.
  • Sweet Briar has a higher submitted SAT score (1,130) than VCU (1,130).
  • VCU has more students with 28,464 students while Sweet Briar has 444 students.
  • Sweet Briar has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while VCU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • VCU has more full-time faculties with 2,149 faculties while Sweet Briar has 49 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia Commonwealth Universityvs.Sweet Briar College
Richmond, VirginiaLocationSweet Briar, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$16,720
Out-Of-State$39,884
2025 Tuition & Fees$26,160
70%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$13,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$21,233
92.62 %Acceptance Rates75.54 %
21.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.25 %
1,130SAT Score1,230
25ACT Score-
63 %Graduation Rate52 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate31 %
85 %Retention Rate69 %
28,464Student Population444
2,149Number of Faculties49
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services