Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town 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 15:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University 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 Illinois University ($13,112 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 14.6% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($10,538 vs. $12,341).
• Bethel University is 40.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $5,378 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.3% higher at Bethel than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $5,378 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($17,700 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Southern Illinois University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University 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 Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($22,500 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($232 vs. $292).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.