SC vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Johnson University in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johnson University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (978 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Johnson University 12:1.

SC vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC or Johnson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Johnson University than SC ($22,615 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 3.2% lower than at Johnson University ($9,586 vs. $9,900).
• Sterling College is 59.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johnson University (about $12,578 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.5% higher at SC than at Johnson University (about $12,578 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Johnson University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 103.6% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($23,673 vs. $11,630).

SC vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SC or Johnson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Johnson University and SC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 10 points higher than at SC (1030).
• Incoming SC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Johnson University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 938/1123; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at SC (3.46).
• Johnson University has a higher acceptance rate (65.1%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

SC vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC and Johnson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Sterling College's (48%).
• Graduates from Sterling College earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $3,283 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($21,380 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($221 vs. $255).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SC students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.