Bethany College vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washburn University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 615 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany College is located in Lindsborg, KS (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany College 12:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Bethany College vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethany College or Washburn 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 Washburn University than Bethany College ($11,488 vs. $28,192).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 17.7% lower than at Bethany College ($11,501 vs. $13,977).
• Bethany College is 231.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $23,055 more per year; $33,000.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.5% higher at Bethany College than at Washburn University (about $12,051 more per year; $33,000.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 161.6% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($25,583 vs. $9,781).

Bethany College vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethany College or Washburn 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 Washburn University and Bethany College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 883/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethany College - Test-free; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Bethany College (3.16).

Bethany College vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethany College and Washburn 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $10,100 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($16,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($174 vs. $279).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 49%)

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.