Bethel University vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Bethel University vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University than Bethel University ($25,753 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 26.9% lower than at Bethel University ($8,900 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 62% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $16,926 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62% higher at Bethel University than at Southern Adventist University (about $16,926 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Southern Adventist University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 108.4% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($26,886 vs. $12,904).

Bethel University vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 90 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Bethel University vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,100 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($24,400 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($252 vs. $274).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 63%)

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.