BLC vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

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

Rivier University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Rivier University 14:1.

BLC vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Rivier 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 Rivier University ($21,127 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 44.9% lower than at Rivier University ($8,620 vs. $15,636).
• Rivier University is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $8,128 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at Rivier University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $8,128 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($24,927 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 10 points higher than at BLC (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• 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; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

BLC vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Rivier 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 Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($240 vs. $263).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 70%)

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.