BLC vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Carlow University 12:1.

BLC vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Carlow 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 Carlow University than BLC ($21,002 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 37.6% lower than at Carlow University ($8,620 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 14.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $4,514 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at Carlow University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $4,514 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Carlow University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 42.1% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($28,233 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BLC or Carlow 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 Carlow University and BLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 50 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at BLC (3.51).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

BLC vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Carlow 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 Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Carlow University's (51%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 59%)

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.