Oakland City University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakland City University in Oakland City, IN with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 640 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland City University is located in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland City University 13:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Oakland City University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland City 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 Oakland City University ($13,112 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 9.2% lower than at Oakland City University ($10,538 vs. $11,600).
• Oakland City University is 49.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $9,188 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at Oakland City University than at Bethel University (about $9,188 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 47.3% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($26,067 vs. $17,700).

Oakland City University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakland City University or Bethel? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel and Oakland City University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Oakland City University (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Oakland City University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Oakland City University 850/1150; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Oakland City University 17/23; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland City University - Test-free; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bethel students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• Oakland City University has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at Oakland City University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Oakland City University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland City University and Bethel? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $8,050 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($20,200 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($208 vs. $292).
• More Oakland City University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.