Ave Maria vs Cedarville University

Ave Maria University and Cedarville University, both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Ave Maria, located in sunny Florida, boasts a diverse student body and a focus on liberal arts, while Cedarville, nestled in Ohio, emphasizes STEM fields and attracts a predominantly white student population. With acceptance rates of 75% and 80% respectively, both universities welcome a significant portion of applicants. While Ave Maria's graduates enjoy a higher median salary, Cedarville's students benefit from a lower average cost after aid. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more about these universities' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Ave Maria University	Cedarville University
Overview
Location	Ave Maria, Florida	Cedarville, Ohio
Campus setting	Rural: Distant	Town: Fringe
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Baptist

Admission
Acceptance rate	64.0%	62.2%
Application fees		$30
SAT range	N/A	1120 - 1350
ACT range	N/A	22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score		33.0%
Students submitting ACT score		55.0%
Total number of applicants	3,705	5,223
Total number of admissions given out	2,373	3,251
Admitted students who chose to enroll	377	972
Yield rate	15.9%	29.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$41,977	$45,384
Average net price	$18,643	$25,380
Tuition	$23,521	$33,174
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,562 Meal plan: $5,528	Room/dormitory: $4,602 Meal plan: $3,518
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $21,230	100.0% Average amount $18,636
Students receiving federal student loan	55.0% Average amount $5,696	48.0% Average amount $4,995
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $11,852	10.0% Average amount $15,502

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,259 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	4,191 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%
Graduate students	43 Men 69.8% Women 30.2%	452 Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	64.1%
International students	1.3%	1.8%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Distant	Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity	1,244	2,940
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Ohio Michigan Indiana Pennsylvania Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Theology Social Sciences Education	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Theology
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	60.9%	73.3%
Dropout rate	39.1%	26.4%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,648 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $36,766 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,250 Year 3: $34,401 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,800 Year 2: $30,988 Year 3: $30,767 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,762 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,775 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: N/A Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: N/A	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,280 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $119,287 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,469 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,725 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,392 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $69,774 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,260 Year 2: $56,532 Year 3: $56,672 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,043 Year 2: $35,420 Year 3: $41,677 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,682 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $40,207 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,131 Year 2: $36,132 Year 3: $37,025 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,784 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $36,745 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,326 Year 2: $28,019 Year 3: $36,339 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,998 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in religious affiliation between Ave Maria University and Cedarville University?

Ave Maria University is a Roman Catholic institution, deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and values. Its curriculum and campus life reflect these principles. Cedarville University, on the other hand, is an independent Baptist university, emphasizing a conservative evangelical worldview. While both institutions prioritize faith, their theological foundations and expressions differ significantly.
How do the academic programs at Ave Maria University and Cedarville University compare?

Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Ave Maria University is known for its strong liberal arts core, particularly in philosophy, theology, and classical studies. Cedarville University excels in pre-professional programs like engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and business, alongside its strong biblical studies offerings. Consider your academic interests when evaluating which university aligns best with your goals.
What is the campus environment like at Ave Maria University versus Cedarville University?

Ave Maria University fosters a close-knit, faith-centered community in a planned town setting in Southwest Florida. The campus is designed to promote interaction and a strong sense of belonging. Cedarville University offers a more traditional campus environment in rural Ohio, with a focus on student activities, service opportunities, and a vibrant campus life centered around Christian values.
What are the key differences in student life and extracurricular activities?

At Ave Maria University, student life is heavily influenced by its Catholic identity, with opportunities for daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and participation in various Catholic organizations. Cedarville University offers a broader range of extracurricular activities, including intercollegiate athletics, student government, music ensembles, and mission trips, all within a framework of biblical principles.
How do the locations of Ave Maria University and Cedarville University differ, and how might that impact my college experience?

Ave Maria University is located in Ave Maria, Florida, a planned town in Southwest Florida, offering a warm climate and proximity to beaches. Cedarville University is situated in Cedarville, Ohio, a rural setting that provides a more traditional college town experience with four distinct seasons. The location can impact your access to internships, cultural experiences, and overall lifestyle preferences.
What are the differences in the cost of attendance and financial aid opportunities at Ave Maria University and Cedarville University?

Tuition and fees can vary between Ave Maria University and Cedarville University. It's essential to check the most recent information on their respective websites. Both institutions offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Ave Maria University may offer specific scholarships related to Catholic education, while Cedarville University may have scholarships tied to academic merit or Baptist affiliation. Compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at each institution to make an informed decision.
How do Ave Maria University and Cedarville University approach student conduct and campus policies?

Both universities have codes of conduct that reflect their religious values. Ave Maria University's policies are rooted in Catholic moral teachings, while Cedarville University's policies are based on biblical principles. Expect both institutions to have standards regarding alcohol consumption, dress code, and behavior that align with their respective faith traditions.
What are the similarities between Ave Maria University and Cedarville University?

Despite their denominational differences, both Ave Maria University and Cedarville University share a commitment to providing a faith-based education. They both emphasize character development, academic excellence, and preparing students for lives of service and leadership. Both institutions also offer a supportive community where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific career path?

The 'better' university depends on your career aspirations. If you're drawn to fields where a strong foundation in Catholic thought and ethics is valuable, Ave Maria University might be a good fit. If you're interested in pre-professional fields like engineering, nursing, or pharmacy within a conservative evangelical context, Cedarville University could be a better choice. Research the specific programs offered at each university and consider their reputation in your desired field.
How do the graduation rates and career placement rates compare between Ave Maria University and Cedarville University?

Graduation rates and career placement rates are important indicators of student success. While specific numbers may vary year to year, both Ave Maria University and Cedarville University strive to prepare their graduates for successful careers. Check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date statistics on graduation rates, career placement rates, and graduate school acceptance rates.

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