Arkansas State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Arkansas State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas 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 Arkansas State University than Bethel ($12,410 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 8.8% lower than at Arkansas State University ($10,538 vs. $11,550).
• Bethel University is 131.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $10,622 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at Bethel than at Arkansas State University (about $4,190 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Arkansas State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 32.1% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($17,700 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 100 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Bethel (3.6).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Arkansas State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas 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).

• Arkansas State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $8,750 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($19,500 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($201 vs. $292).
• More Arkansas State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.