Illinois College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,167 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Illinois College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College 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 Illinois College than Bethel University ($17,375 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 7.4% lower than at Illinois College ($11,140 vs. $12,026).
• Illinois College is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $4,076 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Illinois College than at Bethel University (about $4,076 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 26.2% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($31,609 vs. $25,046).

Illinois College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois College (1030) is the same as at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 883/1180; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Illinois College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $935 lower median loan debt than Illinois College graduates ($26,065 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 64%)

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.