Bethel University vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

Bethel University vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University than Bethel University ($20,412 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.6% lower than at St. Mary's University ($12,170 vs. $12,894).
• Bethel University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $6,792 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Bethel University than at St. Mary's University (about $6,792 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at St. Mary's University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St. Mary's University students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($27,464 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or St. Mary's 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. Mary's University and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 140 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027; St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

Bethel University vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University's (58%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $100 more per year than St. Mary's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's University graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's University graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 59%)

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.