Alabama State vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (4,081 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Alabama State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama State University 15:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Alabama State vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State or Bethel? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethel University than Alabama State ($13,112 vs. $13,138).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 25.8% lower than at Bethel University ($7,816 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 66.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama State (about $7,464 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $11,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.6% higher at Alabama State than at Bethel University (about $864 more per year; $19,576.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Alabama State University (98% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 52.8% larger than aid received by Alabama State University students ($17,700 vs. $11,583).

Alabama State vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State or Bethel? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel and Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 120 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Alabama State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Alabama State (2.95).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Alabama State vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State and Bethel? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $3,841 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($28,250 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, Bethel graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($292 vs. $331).
• More Bethel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.