Concordia University Chicago vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Concordia University Chicago is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago than Bethel University ($19,073 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 3.2% lower than at Concordia University Chicago ($11,140 vs. $11,510).
• Concordia University Chicago is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $2,888 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Concordia University Chicago than at Bethel University (about $2,888 more per year; $37,488.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Concordia University Chicago than at Bethel University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concordia University Chicago students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($26,361 vs. $25,046).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago 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 Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Concordia University Chicago (1090) is 60 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Concordia University Chicago students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Concordia University Chicago (92.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago 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).

• Concordia University Chicago's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Concordia University Chicago earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have a $1,114 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($24,951 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Concordia University Chicago graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($257 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.