Judson University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, IL with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Judson University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (960 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Judson University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson 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 Judson University than Bethany College ($18,673 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Judson University are 6.7% lower than at Bethany College ($12,320 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 17.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Judson University (about $5,405 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at Bethany College than at Judson University (about $5,405 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 31.7% larger than aid received by Judson University students ($31,646 vs. $24,024).

Judson University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 20 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Judson University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Bethany College has a higher acceptance rate (58.8%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Judson University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson 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).

• Judson University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Bethany College's (48%).
• Graduates from Judson University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $7,884 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($23,000 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($237 vs. $319).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethany College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 56%)

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.