Bethel University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Bethel University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University than Bethel University ($19,932 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 16.4% lower than at Bethel University ($10,176 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 375.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $34,927 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 245.3% higher at Bethel University than at South Dakota State University (about $31,417 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 500.9% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($26,886 vs. $4,474).

Bethel University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 100 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Bethel University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $716 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($252 vs. $259).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University 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.