BLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

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

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

BLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University than BLC ($15,547 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 21.8% lower than at Southwest Minnesota State University ($8,620 vs. $11,028).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 202.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $20,999 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 202.7% higher at BLC than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $20,999 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students is 129% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($19,865 vs. $8,674).

BLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 90 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming BLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Southwest Minnesota State University has a higher acceptance rate (62.2%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

BLC vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $1,572 lower median loan debt than BLC graduates ($21,678 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BLC graduates ($224 vs. $240).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 66%)

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.