Bethel vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 15:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Bethel vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than Bethel ($12,756 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 7.1% lower than at University of Memphis ($10,538 vs. $11,342).
• Bethel University is 74.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $7,984 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.6% higher at Bethel than at University of Memphis (about $3,328 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of Memphis (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 50.1% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($17,700 vs. $11,793).

Bethel vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 70 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Memphis 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; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 15/21; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.2% at Bethel vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Bethel vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel and Memphis? 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).

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($25,250 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($261 vs. $292).
• More Memphis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.