Jackson State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Jackson State University in Jackson, MS with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Jackson State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jackson State University 14:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Jackson State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson State University 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 Bethel University than Jackson State University ($13,112 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 26.5% lower than at Jackson State University ($10,538 vs. $14,341).
• Bethel University is 108.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $9,747 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.4% higher at Bethel than at Jackson State University (about $6,747 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Jackson State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 111.1% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($17,700 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jackson State University 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 Jackson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 30 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Jackson State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson State University 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($28,250 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($292 vs. $299).
• More Jackson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.