Elmhurst University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University than Bethel University ($24,629 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 16.2% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,170 vs. $14,528).
• Bethel University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $1,271 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Bethel University than at Elmhurst University (about $1,271 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 11.9% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($30,079 vs. $26,886).

Elmhurst University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 120 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University 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: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Elmhurst University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University 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 Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $2,900 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($222 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 72%)

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.