Blackburn College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Blackburn College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Blackburn College or Bethel 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 Blackburn College than Bethel University ($18,460 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 11% lower than at Bethel University ($9,915 vs. $11,140).
• Bethel University is 22.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $6,451 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Bethel University than at Blackburn College (about $6,451 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 28.7% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($25,046 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Blackburn College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Bethel University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Blackburn College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn College and Bethel 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Blackburn College earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have a $65 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Blackburn College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($268 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 58%)

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.