Bethel vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Tennessee Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,198 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University ($13,112 vs. $15,125).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 10.2% lower than at Bethel University ($9,458 vs. $10,538).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University is 64.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $12,102 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.7% higher at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Bethel University (about $12,102 more per year; $30,814.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Wesleyan University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students is 39.5% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($24,692 vs. $17,700).

Bethel vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Tennessee Wesleyan University (3.5).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (68.8%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Bethel vs. Tennessee Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates of Bethel University and Tennessee Wesleyan University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $42,700), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($18,750 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($193 vs. $292).
• More Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.