Cornell College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell College in Mount Vernon, 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 Cornell College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornell College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell 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 Cornell College than Bethel University ($25,220 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 2.6% lower than at Bethel University ($11,850 vs. $12,170).
• Cornell College is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $8,434 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at Cornell College than at Bethel University (about $8,434 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 52.8% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($41,092 vs. $26,886).

Cornell College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 50 points higher than at Cornell College (1200).
• Incoming Cornell College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 1120/1285; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 23/30; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cornell College (3.53).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Cornell College (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Cornell College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Cornell College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell 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 Cornell College's (70%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornell College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 74%)

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.