Butler vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Butler University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Butler vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University than Butler ($25,753 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 45.8% lower than at Butler University ($8,900 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 74.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $20,260 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.2% higher at Butler than at Southern Adventist University (about $20,260 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at Butler University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 115.4% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($27,790 vs. $12,904).

Butler vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 100 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Butler students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Butler vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Southern Adventist 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $23,800 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Adventist University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Adventist University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 63%)

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.