Bethel University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than Bethel University ($12,548 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 11.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,140 vs. $12,582).
• Bethel University is 196.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $22,948 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at Bethel University than at Western Kentucky University (about $7,600 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 129.3% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($25,046 vs. $10,921).

Bethel University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at WKU (3.42).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Bethel University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $1,815 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($250 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 47%)

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.