Bethel University vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Bethel University vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or St. Cloud State University? 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 Saint Cloud State University than Bethel University ($14,735 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 12.9% lower than at Bethel University ($10,596 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 331.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $33,981 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 331.7% higher at Bethel University than at Saint Cloud State University (about $33,981 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 282.1% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($26,886 vs. $7,036).

Bethel University vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or St. Cloud State University? 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 St. Cloud State University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 110 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Bethel University vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and St. Cloud State University? 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $1,900 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($232 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 67%)

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.