Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg. SAT
1310
75th percentile
“Intimate all-women's liberal arts college in rural Virginia, where equestrian prowess meets rigorous academics on a 3,250-acre estate.”
Sweet Briar, VA
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Sweet Briar College opened its doors in 1901 when Indiana Fletcher Williams willed her entire estate to create an institution dedicated to women's education, naming it after the flowers her daughter Daisy loved. This legacy shapes a campus that feels like a preserved Virginia manor, complete with lakes, woods, and horse pastures. Women who thrive here tend to be independent leaders eager for close faculty relationships and hands-on outdoor pursuits, drawn to a community where personal growth takes center stage.
Nestled in Amherst County near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the college sits amid rolling farmland and vineyards, about 30 minutes from Lynchburg's shops and an hour from Charlottesville's bustle. The rural setting fosters a sense of seclusion and nature immersion, perfect for trail rides or quiet study. Yet you'll need a car for frequent trips to cities, as public transport is sparse, and the small size limits on-campus amenities compared to larger schools.
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+9
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes unfold in seminar-style rooms where professors know your name from day one, encouraging debate and individual projects over rote lectures. Standout programs include equestrian studies, where you can major in equine management while competing nationally, and engineering, a rarity among women's colleges with hands-on labs. Visual arts and dance also shine, with studios right on campus for constant practice.
Research starts early, often pairing you with faculty on topics from horse genetics to sustainable agriculture. The intimate scale means attentive advising but fewer course options in niche fields like astrophysics—popular majors fill quickly, so planning ahead matters. You'll graduate with skills honed through junior research or internships tied to the college's vast lands.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
444 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
68%
Black / African American
9%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
16%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Sweet Briar, VA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus pulses with women-only energy: mornings bring riding lessons or yoga, afternoons fill with club meetings, and evenings host study sessions in cozy residence halls. Traditions like the spring Ring Figure dance and autumn bonfires build bonds that last. The social scene centers on intramurals, guest speakers, and weekend hikes, creating a supportive vibe where collaboration trumps competition.
A typical week mixes academics with equestrian events or Outing Club kayaking, winding down at the campus coffee shop. Housing guarantees spots for all four years in historic dorms overlooking fields. Rural life means crisp falls and snowy winters charm some but test others; off-campus fun requires driving, and the party scene stays low-key compared to urban colleges.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Old Dominion Athletic Conf.
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$15,609
$30K – $48K
$14,536
$48K – $75K
$18,831
$75K – $110K
$29,662
$110K+
$28,429
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
69%
4 Years Graduation Rate
50%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$51,943
69% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Sweet Briar College and return in the fall. 50% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
50%
Non-grad
50%
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Sweet Briar College
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$22,620
Acceptance
76%
Undergrads
444
4-Year Grad Rate
50%
Endowment
$99M
Sweet Briar, VA 24595-9998
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