ISU vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Bethel University 12:1.

ISU vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Bethel University than ISU ($19,494 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.2% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,140 vs. $11,754).
• Bethel University is 114.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $18,456 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at Bethel University than at Illinois State University (about $6,390 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Bethel University (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 93% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($25,046 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at ISU (3.41).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

ISU vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $4,065 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($227 vs. $269).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.