BSU vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Bethel University 12:1.

BSU vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU 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 Ball State University than Bethel University ($13,599 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 9.7% lower than at Ball State University ($11,140 vs. $12,334).
• Bethel University is 212.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $23,518 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at Bethel University than at Ball State University (about $4,970 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Ball State University (95% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 89.5% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($25,046 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU 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 BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 140 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming BSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than BSU (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

BSU vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $1,065 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($258 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

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.