BLC vs. Coker

Comparable Facts

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

Coker University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,325 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BLC vs. Coker Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Coker? 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 Coker University than BLC ($19,823 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 28.8% lower than at Coker University ($8,620 vs. $12,114).
• Coker University is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $2,056 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at Coker than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $2,056 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Coker University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Coker University students is 33.1% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($26,449 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Coker Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BLC or Coker? 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 Coker and BLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 60 points higher than at Coker (1050).
• Incoming BLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Coker).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Coker University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Coker University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Coker - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Coker (3.1).
• Coker has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 22.7% at Coker.

BLC vs. Coker Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Coker? 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 Coker University's (49%).
• Graduates from Bethany Lutheran College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Coker graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Coker graduates ($23,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Coker graduates ($240 vs. $289).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Coker students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 41%)

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.