Columbia College vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Columbia College vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College or Bethel? 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 ($13,112 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 10.9% lower than at Bethel University ($9,390 vs. $10,538).
• Columbia College is 18.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $3,502 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at Columbia College than at Bethel University (about $3,502 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 7.6% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($17,700 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College or Bethel? 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 and Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Columbia College vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College and Bethel? 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $2,986 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($25,264 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($261 vs. $292).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 33%)

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.