Butler vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Butler University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Union University 9:1.

Butler vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler 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 Union University than Butler ($28,452 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 22.2% lower than at Butler University ($12,780 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $7,535 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at Butler than at Union University (about $7,535 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($30,120 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler 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 Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 20 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Butler students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Butler vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 66%)

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.