Bethel University vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

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

Wartburg College is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (1,483 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Wartburg College is in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Wartburg College 13:1.

Bethel University vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Wartburg 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 Wartburg College ($19,494 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.2% lower than at Wartburg College ($11,140 vs. $11,750).
• Bethel University is 31.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $8,350 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.8% higher at Bethel University than at Wartburg College (about $8,350 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wartburg College than at Bethel University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 61% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($40,336 vs. $25,046).

Bethel University vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wartburg College (1070) is 40 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Wartburg College 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; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Bethel University vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Wartburg 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wartburg College graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.