Bethel vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Johnson University 12:1.

Bethel vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Johnson 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 Bethel University than Johnson University ($13,112 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 6.1% lower than at Bethel University ($9,900 vs. $10,538).
• Johnson University is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $2,410 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Johnson University than at Bethel University (about $2,410 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 52.2% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($17,700 vs. $11,630).

Bethel vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 60 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Johnson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Johnson University (3.52).
• Johnson University has a higher acceptance rate (65.1%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

Bethel vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $6,870 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($21,380 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($221 vs. $292).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.