Bethel University vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Aquinas College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Aquinas College 10:1.

Bethel University vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or AQ? 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 Aquinas College than Bethel University ($18,018 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 4.6% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,140 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $5,618 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at AQ than at Bethel University (about $5,618 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 33.9% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($33,535 vs. $25,046).

Bethel University vs. AQ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or AQ? 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 AQ and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is the same as at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; AQ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 11.8% at AQ.

Bethel University vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and AQ? 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).

• Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $65 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($268 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 60%)

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.