Bethel vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in McKenzie, TN with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Bethel vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University ($13,112 vs. $13,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 13.9% lower than at Middle Tennessee State University ($10,538 vs. $12,242).
• Bethel University is 82.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $8,446 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.7% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Bethel University (about $12,862 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Middle Tennessee State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 66% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($17,700 vs. $10,665).

Bethel vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University and Bethel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 140 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Bethel (3.6).
• Middle Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (69.1%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Bethel vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Middle Tennessee State 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).

• Middle Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Middle Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $6,492 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($21,758 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($224 vs. $292).
• More Middle Tennessee State University 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.