La Sierra University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Bethel University 15:1.

La Sierra University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University ($13,112 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 21.5% lower than at La Sierra University ($10,538 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 101.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $18,998 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.5% higher at La Sierra University than at Bethel University (about $18,998 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University as at Bethel University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 56.2% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($27,646 vs. $17,700).

La Sierra University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at La Sierra University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at La Sierra University (3.54).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

La Sierra University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra 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).

• The graduation rate at La Sierra University is the same as at Bethel University (32% vs. 32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($28,250 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($292 vs. $310).
• More La Sierra University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.