Bethel vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or MBC? 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 MBC ($13,112 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 7.7% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($10,538 vs. $11,411).
• Mary Baldwin University is 82.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $15,440 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.5% higher at MBC than at Bethel University (about $15,440 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 59% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($28,135 vs. $17,700).

Bethel vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming MBC 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; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at MBC (3.57).

Bethel vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and MBC? 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($279 vs. $292).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.