Nelson University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nelson University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Nelson University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College than Nelson University ($19,035 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 27.3% lower than at Bethany College ($9,598 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 46.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $11,701 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.7% higher at Bethany College than at Nelson University (about $11,701 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 162.1% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($31,646 vs. $12,075).

Nelson University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nelson University or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and Nelson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is the same as at Bethany College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Nelson University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson University and Bethany College? 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $4,634 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($26,250 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($271 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 50%)

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.