BLC vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

BLC vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University ($21,127 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 27.9% lower than at Columbia International University ($8,620 vs. $11,950).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $3,460 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at BLC than at Columbia International University (about $3,460 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 16.8% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($19,865 vs. $17,009).

BLC vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 20 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming BLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

BLC vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Bethany Lutheran College earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 63%)

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.