Bethel University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Bethel University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Bethel University ($11,546 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 9.7% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,140 vs. $12,340).
• Bethel University is 167.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $21,670 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at Bethel University than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $4,150 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at Bethel University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 85.4% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($25,046 vs. $13,512).

Bethel University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Bethel University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 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 Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 48%)

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.