SIUE vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (11,893 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located in Edwardsville, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville 15:1; Bethel University 12:1.

SIUE vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SIUE 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 Edwardsville than Bethel University ($17,115 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 23.1% lower than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ($11,140 vs. $14,490).
• Bethel University is 167.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SIUE (about $21,678 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.8% higher at Bethel University than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (about $21,678 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 115.9% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students ($25,046 vs. $11,602).

SIUE vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SIUE 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 SIUE.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1070) is 40 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming SIUE students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 950/1190; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 20/27; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SIUE - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SIUE May 1, 2027; Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SIUE students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than SIUE (97.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at SIUE vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

SIUE vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SIUE 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).

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates have a $4,635 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($21,430 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, SIUE graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($221 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SIUE students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 61%)

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.