Allen College vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mars Hill University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (1,110 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Mars Hill University is in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Mars Hill University 11:1.

Allen College vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Mars Hill University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 28.2% lower than at Mars Hill University ($8,800 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 93.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $18,220 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.4% higher at Mars Hill University than at Allen College (about $18,220 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Mars Hill University? 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 Mars Hill University and Allen College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Mars Hill University? 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).

• Allen College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Mars Hill University's (38%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($16,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($173 vs. $279).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mars Hill University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 53%)

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.