Bethel University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Bethel University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or WMU? 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 Michigan University than Bethel University ($17,331 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 8.5% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,140 vs. $12,174).
• Bethel University is 126.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $19,348 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.8% higher at Bethel University than at Western Michigan University (about $15,566 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Western Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 126.7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($25,046 vs. $11,048).

Bethel University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 80 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming WMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Bethel University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and WMU? 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 Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $568 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($26,065 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($269 vs. $275).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 54%)

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.