BLC vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

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

Centenary University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,398 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BLC vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Centenary 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 Bethany Lutheran College than Centenary University ($21,127 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 31.3% lower than at Centenary University ($8,620 vs. $12,552).
• Centenary University is 20.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $6,372 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at Centenary University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $6,372 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Centenary University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 49.1% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($29,617 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 30 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Incoming BLC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Centenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• Centenary University has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

BLC vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Centenary 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 Centenary University's (49%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($240 vs. $263).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centenary University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 68%)

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.