Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Retention Rate
- 76.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,943
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,189 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,212 |
Outcomes Overview
Sweet Briar graduates face a challenging financial reality after college. The median debt of $27,000 creates monthly payments of $286, consuming about 6.6% of typical graduate earnings of $51,943. This debt-to-income ratio of 52% exceeds recommended levels for sustainable repayment. The college's strong employment rate of 95.7% helps, but many graduates enter traditionally lower-paying fields like education, nonprofit work, and the arts. Alumni often leverage the school's tight-knit network and personalized education in careers requiring strong communication skills. However, with 71.76% successfully repaying loans, the financial burden remains manageable for most. Overall, Sweet Briar offers an average return on investment.