Bethel University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Central College? 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 Central College ($19,494 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 7.6% lower than at Central College ($11,140 vs. $12,060).
• Bethel University is 64.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $13,612 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.9% higher at Bethel University than at Central College (about $13,612 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 79.9% larger than aid received by Central College students ($25,046 vs. $13,925).

Bethel University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Central College 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; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central College 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 Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 21% at Central College.

Bethel University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 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 Central College graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.