Bethel University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Bethel University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or CMU? 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 Central Michigan University than Bethel University ($17,575 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 11.3% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,140 vs. $12,564).
• Bethel University is 134.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $19,840 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 134.4% higher at Bethel University than at Central Michigan University (about $19,840 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Central Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 92% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($25,046 vs. $13,042).

Bethel University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming CMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than CMU (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Bethel University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and CMU? 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 Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 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 CMU graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 54%)

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.