North Central College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL 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 North Central College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Bethel University 14:1.

North Central College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 North Central College than Bethel University ($23,276 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 17.1% lower than at North Central College ($12,170 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $1,500 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at North Central College than at Bethel University (about $1,500 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 26.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($34,056 vs. $26,886).

North Central College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 70 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have the same average high school GPA (3.6) as students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

North Central College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College 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 North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $600 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 74%)

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.