Luther- Norse vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther College than Bethel University ($24,511 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 5.3% lower than at Bethel University ($11,530 vs. $12,170).
• Luther College is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,894 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at Luther- Norse than at Bethel University (about $7,894 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 52.2% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($40,917 vs. $26,886).

Luther- Norse vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 10 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Luther- Norse students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Bethel University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Luther- Norse vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.