BLC vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Cloud State University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

BLC vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or St. Cloud 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 Saint Cloud State University than BLC ($14,735 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 18.6% lower than at Saint Cloud State University ($8,620 vs. $10,596).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 206.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $21,115 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 206.1% higher at BLC than at Saint Cloud State University (about $21,115 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 182.3% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($19,865 vs. $7,036).

BLC vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 30 points higher than at BLC (1110).
• Incoming BLC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

BLC vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and St. Cloud 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 67%)

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.