Bethel University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Bethel University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University than Bethel University ($9,211 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 12.4% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,140 vs. $12,712).
• Bethel University is 212% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $23,512 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.9% higher at Bethel University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $12,688 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Bethel University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 142.4% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($25,046 vs. $10,332).

Bethel University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming NKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Bethel University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $1,115 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($24,950 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($257 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 53%)

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.