Bethel University vs. Ripon College

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Ripon College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); Ripon College is in Ripon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ripon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; Ripon College 12:1.

Bethel University vs. Ripon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Ripon 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 Ripon College than Bethel University ($23,772 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ripon College are 11.3% lower than at Bethel University ($10,800 vs. $12,170).
• Ripon College is 17.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,674 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at Ripon College than at Bethel University (about $7,674 more per year; $51,900.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at Ripon College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ripon College students is 47.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($39,716 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. Ripon College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 120 points higher than at Ripon College (1130).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Ripon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Ripon College 980/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Ripon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Ripon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Ripon College (3.41).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Ripon College (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 10.9% at Ripon College.

Bethel University vs. Ripon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Ripon 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Ripon College's (70%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Ripon College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $3,600 lower median loan debt than Ripon College graduates ($24,400 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ripon College graduates ($252 vs. $289).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ripon College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

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.