Bethel University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Bethel University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Bethel University ($17,198 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 3.5% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,140 vs. $11,550).
• Bethel University is 128.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $19,460 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.6% higher at Bethel University than at Grand Valley State University (about $13,052 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Grand Valley State University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 123.9% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($25,046 vs. $11,188).

Bethel University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Bethel University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,065 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($258 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 62%)

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.