Bethel University vs. St Olaf

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than St Olaf based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 3,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); St Olaf College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Olaf College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; St Olaf College 11:1.

Bethel University vs. St Olaf Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf College than Bethel University ($26,756 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 10.7% lower than at St Olaf College ($12,170 vs. $13,630).
• St Olaf College is 35.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $15,534 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at St Olaf than at Bethel University (about $15,534 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at St Olaf College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Olaf College students is 67.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($45,098 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. St Olaf Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St Olaf College (1390) is 140 points higher than at Bethel University (1250).
• Incoming St Olaf students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; St Olaf College 1300/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; St Olaf College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; St Olaf - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027; St Olaf Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St Olaf students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than St Olaf (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 26.8% at St Olaf.

Bethel University vs. St Olaf Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and St Olaf? 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).

• St Olaf College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from St Olaf College 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 $2,600 lower median loan debt than St Olaf graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Olaf graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More St Olaf graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.