Spalding vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, KY with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Spalding vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding 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 Spalding ($13,112 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 7.9% lower than at Bethel University ($9,710 vs. $10,538).
• Spalding University is 56% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $10,488 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56% higher at Spalding than at Bethel University (about $10,488 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($19,429 vs. $17,700).

Spalding vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding 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 Spalding.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 20 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Spalding students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Bethel (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bethel (3.6).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Spalding vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spalding University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($25,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Spalding graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($258 vs. $292).
• More Spalding 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.