Alcorn State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Alcorn State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (2,995 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alcorn State University 16:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Alcorn State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State University 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 Alcorn State University than Bethel ($12,376 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 13.7% lower than at Alcorn State University ($10,538 vs. $12,204).
• Bethel University is 113% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $9,927 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113% higher at Bethel than at Alcorn State University (about $9,927 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Alcorn State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 55.6% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($17,700 vs. $11,375).

Alcorn State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State University 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 Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 150 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Alcorn State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Alcorn State University (3.2).
• Bethel has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Alcorn State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State University 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).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University and Alcorn State University graduates have the same median loan debt ($28,250 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bethel University and Alcorn State University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($292 vs. $292).
• More Alcorn State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (34% vs. 33%)

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.