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Sweet Briar College and Patrick Henry College are both private nonprofit institutions — Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA and Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | Sweet Briar College | Patrick Henry College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 75.5% | 77.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1100–1310 |
| 1240–1420 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 25 average | 27–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 443 | 395 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,160/year | $28,425/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,758 | Not reported |
| Graduation rate | 51.8% | 73.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $51,943 | Not reported |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Sweet Briar, VA | Purcellville, VA |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Social sciences | Social sciences, Communication, Business and marketing |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (75.5% vs 77.4%). 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 Sweet Briar College and Patrick Henry College
Sweet Briar College has an acceptance rate of 75.5%; Patrick Henry College is around 77.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Sweet Briar College tuition is $26,160/year. Patrick Henry College is $28,425/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.
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