PSC vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Bethel University 15:1.

PSC vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC 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 PSC ($13,112 vs. $14,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 5.1% lower than at Bethel University ($10,000 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 43.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than PSC (about $5,698 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.8% higher at Bethel than at Philander Smith University (about $5,698 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 23.9% larger than aid received by Philander Smith University students ($17,700 vs. $14,283).

PSC vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PSC 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 PSC.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($28,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($292 vs. $320).
• More PSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.