Simpson College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson College in Indianola, 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 Simpson College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simpson College is located in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simpson College 12:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Simpson College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson 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 Simpson College than Bethel University ($23,282 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 13.7% lower than at Bethel University ($10,500 vs. $12,170).
• Simpson College is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $3,430 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at Simpson College than at Bethel University (about $3,430 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 41% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($37,896 vs. $26,886).

Simpson College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 160 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Simpson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 890/1280; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson College 20/27; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Simpson College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Simpson College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Simpson College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson 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 Simpson College's (69%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

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.