Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (4,732 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($13,112 vs. $13,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 24.9% lower than at Bethel University ($7,911 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 87.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $8,752 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $9,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Bethel than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $3,022 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 53.2% larger than aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students ($17,700 vs. $11,552).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990) is 10 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (3.46).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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).

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $11,230 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($17,020 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($175 vs. $292).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.