Bethel vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Bethel vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or 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 Tennessee State University ($13,112 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.5% lower than at Tennessee State University ($10,538 vs. $11,150).
• Bethel University is 117.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $10,096 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at Tennessee State University than at Bethel University (about $3,704 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Tennessee State University (98% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 83.2% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($17,700 vs. $9,661).

Bethel vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 10 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Bethel students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Bethel vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and 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).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($28,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($289 vs. $292).
• More Bethel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 29%)

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.