Bethel vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in McKenzie, TN with Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Bethel vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Ferrum College? 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 Bethel University than Ferrum College ($13,112 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 20.3% lower than at Ferrum College ($10,538 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 52.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $9,808 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.4% higher at Ferrum College than at Bethel University (about $9,808 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at Ferrum College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 94.6% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($34,444 vs. $17,700).

Bethel vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel or Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College and Bethel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 10 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Bethel vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Ferrum College? 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 (32%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($28,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($289 vs. $292).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 33%)

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.