BLC vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

BLC vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University than BLC ($19,932 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 15.3% lower than at South Dakota State University ($8,620 vs. $10,176).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 237.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $22,061 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.8% higher at BLC than at South Dakota State University (about $18,551 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 344% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($19,865 vs. $4,474).

BLC vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 40 points higher than at BLC (1110).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at BLC (3.51).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

BLC vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $1,866 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($240 vs. $259).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

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.