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Patrick Henry College and Sweet Briar College are both private nonprofit institutions — Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA and Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Purcellville, VA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 395
Tuition: $28,425/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 73.9%
Top programs: Social sciences, Communication, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Purcellville, VA with published program strength in Social sciences and Communication.
Sweet Briar, VA · Private
Acceptance rate: 75.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 443
Tuition: $26,160/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 51.8%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Sweet Briar, VA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Patrick Henry College | Sweet Briar College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 77.4% | 75.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1420 |
| 1100–1310 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 27–33 | 25 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 395 | 443 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,425/year | $26,160/year |
| Average net price after aid | Not reported | $17,758 |
| Graduation rate | 73.9% | 51.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | Not reported | $51,943 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 14.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Purcellville, VA | Sweet Briar, VA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Communication, Business and marketing | Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (77.4% vs 75.5%). Patrick Henry College reports the higher graduation rate (73.9% vs 51.8%). Sweet Briar College is the larger undergraduate campus (443 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Patrick Henry College and Sweet Briar College
Patrick Henry College has an acceptance rate of 77.4%; Sweet Briar College is around 75.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Patrick Henry College tuition is $28,425/year. Sweet Briar College is $26,160/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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