Concordia University Chicago vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Concordia University Chicago is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or BLC? 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 Concordia University Chicago than BLC ($19,073 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 25.1% lower than at Concordia University Chicago ($8,620 vs. $11,510).
• Concordia University Chicago is 19.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $6,128 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.5% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $6,128 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Concordia University Chicago (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 32.7% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($26,361 vs. $19,865).

Concordia University Chicago vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or BLC? 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 BLC and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 20 points higher than at Concordia University Chicago (1090).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Concordia University Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 34% at BLC.

Concordia University Chicago vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and BLC? 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).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Concordia University Chicago earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $1,701 lower median loan debt than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,951).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($240 vs. $257).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 57%)

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.