Bethel vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; Union University 9:1.

Bethel vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Union 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 Union University ($13,112 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 17.5% lower than at Union University ($10,538 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 113.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $21,313 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.9% higher at Union University than at Bethel University (about $21,313 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 70.2% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($30,120 vs. $17,700).

Bethel vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 300 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Union University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 830/1120; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Bethel (3.6).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Bethel vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Union 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).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $3,410 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,840 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($256 vs. $292).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.