Athens State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Athens State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (2,986 students vs. 2,936 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Athens State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Bethel University and Athens State University ($18,712.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Bethel and Athens State University ($18,712.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Athens State University (98% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or Bethel? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel and Athens State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresBethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresBethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; Bethel - Test optional.

Athens State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and Bethel? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate is 32%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Athens State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Athens State University graduates have a $9,716 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($18,534 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Athens State University graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($191 vs. $292).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.