Northwestern College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, 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 Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Northwestern College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern 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 Northwestern College than Bethel University ($26,347 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 10.4% lower than at Bethel University ($10,900 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $7,516 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Bethel University than at Northwestern College (about $7,516 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($26,886 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern 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 Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 160 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Northwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Northwestern College (3.57).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Northwestern College (80.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Northwestern College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern 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 Northwestern College's (66%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $692 lower median loan debt than Northwestern College graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,092).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwestern College graduates ($252 vs. $259).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.