St. Ambrose University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Ambrose University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,498 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose University or BLC? 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 Bethany Lutheran College than St. Ambrose University ($21,127 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 35.6% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($8,620 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $5,298 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $5,298 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($25,877 vs. $19,865).

St. Ambrose University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Ambrose University or BLC? 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 BLC and St. Ambrose University .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 60 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 34% at BLC.

St. Ambrose University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose University and BLC? 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,514 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($240 vs. $266).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Ambrose University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

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.