Bethel University vs. Saint Benedict

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Saint Benedict based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,429 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); College of Saint Benedict is in Saint Joseph, MN (Small Suburban setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Benedict is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; College of Saint Benedict 11:1.

Bethel University vs. Saint Benedict Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Saint Benedict? 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 College of Saint Benedict than Bethel University ($28,400 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 3% lower than at College of Saint Benedict ($12,170 vs. $12,550).
• College of Saint Benedict is 26.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $11,530 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at Saint Benedict than at Bethel University (about $11,530 more per year; $55,756.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at College of Saint Benedict (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Saint Benedict students is 49% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($40,048 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. Saint Benedict Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 110 points higher than at Saint Benedict (1140).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Saint Benedict).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; College of Saint Benedict 1048/1233.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; College of Saint Benedict 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Saint Benedict - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Benedict students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Saint Benedict has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 21.6% at Saint Benedict.

Bethel University vs. Saint Benedict Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Saint Benedict? 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).

• College of Saint Benedict's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from College of Saint Benedict earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $1,943 lower median loan debt than Saint Benedict graduates ($24,400 vs. $26,343).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Benedict graduates ($252 vs. $272).
• More Saint Benedict graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 80%)

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.