USJ vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Saint Joseph is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,952 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Saint Joseph is located in West Hartford, CT (Small City setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• University of Saint Joseph is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Saint Joseph 10:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

USJ vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USJ 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 USJ ($21,127 vs. $29,300).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 40.2% lower than at University of Saint Joseph ($8,620 vs. $14,426).
• University of Saint Joseph is 50.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $15,918 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at USJ than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $15,918 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Joseph as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Joseph students is 54.8% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($30,747 vs. $19,865).

USJ vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USJ 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 USJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 100 points higher than at USJ (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Joseph 850/1170; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USJ - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at USJ (3.46).
• USJ has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at USJ vs. 34% at BLC.

USJ vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USJ 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).

• University of Saint Joseph's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from University of Saint Joseph earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than USJ graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USJ graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USJ students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 60%)

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.