Augustana vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Augustana based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 2,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Augustana College is located in Rock Island, IL (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Augustana College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Augustana College 12:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Augustana vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Augustana or Bethel University? 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 Augustana College than Bethel University ($24,714 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 2.7% lower than at Augustana College ($12,170 vs. $12,502).
• Augustana College is 16.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,372 more per year; $51,598.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at Augustana than at Bethel University (about $7,372 more per year; $51,598.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Augustana College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana College students is 46% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($39,242 vs. $26,886).

Augustana vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Augustana or Bethel 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 Bethel University and Augustana.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 100 points higher than at Augustana (1150).
• Incoming Augustana students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Bethel University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana College 1030/1270; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana College 21/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Augustana - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Augustana Aug 1, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Augustana (3.3).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Augustana (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Augustana vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Augustana vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Augustana and Bethel 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).

• Augustana College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from Augustana College earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Augustana graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Augustana graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 80%)

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.