Bemidji State University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bemidji State University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (4,072 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bemidji State University 18:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Bemidji State University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bemidji State University or BLC? 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 Bemidji State University than BLC ($14,859 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 17.6% lower than at Bemidji State University ($8,620 vs. $10,462).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 206.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bemidji State University (about $21,123 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 206.3% higher at BLC than at Bemidji State University (about $21,123 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Bemidji State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 151.3% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($19,865 vs. $7,904).

Bemidji State University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bemidji State University or BLC? 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 BLC and Bemidji State University.

• Incoming BLC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Bemidji State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bemidji State University 19/24; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bemidji State University - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Bemidji State University (3.26).
• Bemidji State University has a higher acceptance rate (56%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Bemidji State University vs. 34% at BLC.

Bemidji State University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bemidji State University and BLC? 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).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Bemidji State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $1,946 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($21,304 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($220 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bemidji State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 65%)

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.