Columbia College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College Chicago is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (5,570 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Columbia College Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College Chicago 15:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Columbia College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia 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 Bethel University than Columbia College ($19,494 vs. $29,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 46% lower than at Columbia College Chicago ($11,140 vs. $20,629).
• Bethel University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $512 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Bethel University than at Columbia College Chicago (about $512 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $34,088.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College Chicago than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Columbia College Chicago students ($25,046 vs. $22,780).

Columbia College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College Chicago reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Open admission; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia College Aug 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Columbia College (3.41).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Columbia College (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at Columbia College vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Columbia College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia 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 Columbia College Chicago's (41%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College Chicago graduates have a $65 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Columbia 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 Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 46%)

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.