Judson University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, IL with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Judson University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Judson University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson 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 Judson University ($13,112 vs. $18,673).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 14.5% lower than at Judson University ($10,538 vs. $12,320).
• Judson University is 67.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $12,648 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.6% higher at Judson University than at Bethel University (about $12,648 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Judson University as at Bethel University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Judson University students is 35.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($24,024 vs. $17,700).

Judson University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 10 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Judson University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Bethel has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Judson University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson 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).

• Judson University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Judson University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($23,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($237 vs. $292).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.