Drake vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Drake vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake 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 Drake University than Bethel University ($29,565 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 2.3% lower than at Drake University ($12,170 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,904 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Drake than at Bethel University (about $7,904 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 32% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($35,498 vs. $26,886).

Drake vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake 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 Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Drake 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: Drake University 1110/1350; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Drake vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $18,400 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $1,600 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($24,400 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($252 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

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.