Cottey College vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cottey College is located in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cottey College 6:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Cottey College vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cottey 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 Cottey College ($13,112 vs. $14,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 6.2% lower than at Cottey College ($10,538 vs. $11,240).
• Cottey College is 47.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $8,850 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.3% higher at Cottey College than at Bethel University (about $8,850 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cottey College students is 38.8% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($24,565 vs. $17,700).

Cottey College vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 100 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Cottey College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cottey College 1030/1120; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cottey College 18/25; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cottey College - Test-free; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Cottey College (3.39).
• Cottey College has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Cottey College vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Cottey College vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cottey 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).

• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $16,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($12,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $168 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($124 vs. $292).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.