Eastern vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Eastern vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern Kentucky University than Bethel ($12,279 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 14.1% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($10,538 vs. $12,268).
• Bethel University is 81.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $8,392 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Eastern than at Bethel University (about $2,518 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University as at Bethel University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 54.3% larger than aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students ($17,700 vs. $11,468).

Eastern vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Kentucky University (980) is the same as at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• Eastern has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Eastern vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $4,555 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($23,695 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($245 vs. $292).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.