BLC vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Bethany Lutheran College is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (899 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

BLC vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Wheeling 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 Wheeling University than BLC ($21,073 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 30.9% lower than at Wheeling University ($8,620 vs. $12,470).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheeling University (about $1,485 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at BLC than at Wheeling University (about $1,485 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Wheeling University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($21,931 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 40 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Incoming BLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Wheeling University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

BLC vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wheeling 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.