About Sweet Briar College
The average student pays $23,383 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,674. Graduates earn a median of $51,943 ten years after college, making the typical $27,000 in student debt manageable with monthly payments of $286. The 95.7% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes despite the rural setting.
Sweet Briar nearly closed in 2015 before alumnae rallied to save it. The 76.62% retention rate reflects both the tight-knit community and the challenge of small college life. Only 56.34% graduate in four years, though most students eventually finish. Half the student body comes from Virginia, creating a mix of local and out-of-state perspectives. The Vixens compete in Division III athletics, where team sports complement individual pursuits like riding.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Retention Rate
- 76.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,943
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,189 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,212 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who invite students to dinner and remember your research interests. Weekends revolve around the college's famous equestrian program, with students heading to the stables or cheering on the Vixens at horse shows. The nearest major city is Lynchburg, about 45 minutes away, but students often stay on campus for outdoor adventures like hiking or simply enjoying the rural setting. The all-women environment fosters leadership opportunities that might be harder to find elsewhere. With only 100% women enrolled, every leadership role goes to a female student.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 561 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–48°F
- July Avg
- 65°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 68.0%
- Black
- 9.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 50.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.3%
Location
- Address
- Sweet Briar, Virginia 24595-9998
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,943
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,944
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Sweet Briar College?
Sweet Briar College accepts 75.75% of applicants, making admission fairly accessible for a private liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1360 on the SAT, reflecting the college's commitment to evaluating students well-roundedally rather than focusing solely on test scores.
How much does Sweet Briar College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Sweet Briar College is $23,383 after financial aid, lower than the full cost of attendance of $41,230. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $16,674, while 31.29% of students receive Pell Grants for additional federal aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Sweet Briar College?
Sweet Briar College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intimate classroom settings where students receive personalized attention. With only 463 students enrolled, the college is known for fostering close mentoring relationships between professors and students that extend well beyond graduation.
What are the career outcomes for Sweet Briar College graduates?
Sweet Briar College graduates have a 95.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation despite the college's 48.10% six-year graduation rate. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $51,943, with graduates typically carrying $27,000 in student loan debt.
Where is Sweet Briar College located and what is campus life like?
Sweet Briar College sits in rural Virginia with housing capacity for 561 students, creating an intimate residential experience where most students live on campus. The college operates on a semester system and maintains a 76.62% retention rate, reflecting student satisfaction with the close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Sweet Briar College have notable programs or unique features?
Sweet Briar College is well-known for its equestrian programs and is one of the few remaining women's colleges in the United States, with 100% female enrollment. The college has produced notable alumni including actress Kristen Wiig and poet Anne Spencer, reflecting its strong liberal arts tradition that helps women leaders.
