Bethel University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Bethel University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Bluffton 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 Bethel University than Bluffton University ($19,494 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 8.8% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,140 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $2,762 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at Bluffton University than at Bethel University (about $2,762 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($31,481 vs. $25,046).

Bethel University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or Bluffton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluffton University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bethel University 900/1150; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bethel University 16/24; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bethel University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Bethel University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Bluffton University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $935 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 64%)

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.