Bethel vs. FWBBC

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than FWBBC based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 389 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Welch College is in Gallatin, TN (Large City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Welch College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Welch College 8:1.

Bethel vs. FWBBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or FWBBC? 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 FWBBC ($13,112 vs. $21,157).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Welch College are 17.7% lower than at Bethel University ($8,668 vs. $10,538).
• Welch College is 14.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $2,688 more per year; $21,400.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at FWBBC than at Bethel University (about $2,688 more per year; $21,400.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Welch College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Welch College students ($17,700 vs. $15,462).

Bethel vs. FWBBC Admissions comparison

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

• Welch College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; FWBBC - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at FWBBC (3.34).

Bethel vs. FWBBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and FWBBC? 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).

• Welch College's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than FWBBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Welch College graduates have a $5,980 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($22,270 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, FWBBC graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($230 vs. $292).
• More FWBBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.