Bethel University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Bethel University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than Bethel University ($24,095 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 0.7% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($12,170 vs. $12,250).
• Bethel University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WLC (about $8,116 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Bethel University than at Wisconsin Lutheran College (about $8,116 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 9.2% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($26,886 vs. $24,624).

Bethel University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 150 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WLC (3.54).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than WLC (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Bethel University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College's (63%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $600 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WLC 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.