Bethany College vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany College in Bethany, WV with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Liberty University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany College is located in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany College 12:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Bethany College vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethany College or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than Bethany College ($13,655 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Liberty University are 3.6% lower than at Bethany College ($12,728 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 313.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $27,872 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.8% higher at Bethany College than at West Liberty University (about $19,323 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 336.6% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($31,646 vs. $7,248).

Bethany College vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Liberty University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at West Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 870/1110; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 18/26; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethany College - Test-free; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bethany College vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Bethany College vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethany College and West Liberty 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 (48%) is higher than West Liberty University's (46%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $6,267 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,617 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($254 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.