Central College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Central College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central 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 Central College than Bethel University ($23,848 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 0.9% lower than at Bethel University ($12,060 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 110.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $23,238 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.7% higher at Bethel University than at Central College (about $23,238 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 93.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($26,886 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central 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 Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 160 points higher than at Central College (1090).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Central College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central 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 (73%) is higher than Central College's (63%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

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.