Friends University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Friends University in Wichita, KS with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Friends University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Friends University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Friends University 12:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Friends University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Friends University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College than Friends University ($19,035 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Friends University are 14.5% lower than at Bethany College ($11,295 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Friends University (about $2,573 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $34,192.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Bethany College than at Friends University (about $2,573 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $34,192.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Friends University as at Bethany College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 46.7% larger than aid received by Friends University students ($31,646 vs. $21,579).

Friends University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Friends University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and Friends University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Friends University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 960/1090; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 15/28; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Friends University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Bethany College has a higher acceptance rate (58.8%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.7% at Friends University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Friends University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Friends University and Bethany College? 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $6,372 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,512 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($253 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Friends University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 54%)

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.