Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Bethel University 12:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Bethel University ($13,473 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 9.7% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,140 vs. $12,341).
• Bethel University is 159.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $21,266 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.5% higher at Bethel University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $21,266 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as at Bethel University (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 84% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($25,046 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is the same as at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University 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 (49%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $3,565 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($232 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 51%)

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.