Bowie State University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Bowie State University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Bethany College? 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 Bowie State University than Bethany College ($17,287 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 7.3% lower than at Bethany College ($12,241 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 298.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $27,547 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.4% higher at Bethany College than at Bowie State University (about $16,827 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Bowie State University (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 364.1% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($31,646 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 50 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Bowie State University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and Bethany College? 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $6,493 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,391 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($252 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.