MUW vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than MUW based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 2,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mississippi University for Women is located in Columbus, MS (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Mississippi University for Women is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mississippi University for Women 10:1; Bethel University 15:1.

MUW vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MUW 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 Mississippi University for Women than Bethel ($12,487 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mississippi University for Women are 18.7% lower than at Bethel University ($8,572 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 120.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MUW (about $10,220 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.3% higher at Bethel than at Mississippi University for Women (about $10,220 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $8,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi University for Women than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 83.7% larger than aid received by Mississippi University for Women students ($17,700 vs. $9,635).

MUW vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MUW 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 MUW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mississippi University for Women (1020) is 40 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming MUW students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi University for Women 850/1180; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi University for Women 18/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MUW - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at MUW (3.49).
• MUW has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at MUW vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

MUW vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MUW 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).

• Mississippi University for Women's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than MUW graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi University for Women graduates have a $13,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($15,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, MUW graduates have an estimated $137 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($155 vs. $292).
• More MUW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.