BLC vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

BLC vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University than BLC ($16,615 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 45.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($8,620 vs. $15,864).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 218.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $21,520 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 218.7% higher at BLC than at Metropolitan State University (about $21,520 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 132.7% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($19,865 vs. $8,538).

BLC vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

BLC vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $5,258 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($17,992 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($186 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 57%)

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.