College comparison
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric | Stanbridge University Irvine, CA | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUnited States Naval Academy is more selective | 10% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1210–1410 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,643 | 4,474 |
| Avg net price | $45,372 | — |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $62,144 | — |
| Graduation rate | 62% | 93% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | — |
| Economic mobility | — | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (for-profit) | Public |
| Location | Irvine, CA |
Two institutions representing vastly different models of higher education: a private university and a federal service academy.
By the numbers The data reveals fundamentally different propositions. Stanbridge University has a 10% acceptance rate, a 10-year median graduate earnings of $62k, and an average net price of $45k, yielding a value metric of 1.4× earnings per dollar of net price. Its graduation rate is 62%, and it shows very high admit-rate volatility (532%). Its DOE financial health score is 3.0 out of 3. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is similarly selective with a 9% acceptance rate and a mid-50% SAT range of 1210–1410, but its outcomes are framed by a military commission, not direct earnings data. It boasts a 93% graduation rate and exhibits very low admit-rate volatility (26%). As a federally funded institution, it has no net price for students, who receive a full scholarship and stipend.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective institutions where admission is a significant achievement. They attract driven, academically capable students.
How they differ The contrast is foundational. Stanbridge is a traditional, private urban university where students pay tuition for a degree. The USNA is a total-immersion military academy in a suburban setting, offering a federally funded education in exchange for a service commitment. Campus life differs: Stanbridge offers a city-based college experience, while the Naval Academy's "Yard" is a self-contained, regimented community focused on developing naval officers.
Who each suits Stanbridge suits a student seeking a degree in a city environment, who is comfortable with the financial investment and the variability suggested by its metrics. The United States Naval Academy is for the individual committed to serving as a Navy or Marine Corps officer, who thrives under structure, embraces physical and leadership challenges, and values a debt-free education within a mission-driven community.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.
| Annapolis, MD |