SC vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Sterling College in Sterling, KS with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sterling College is located in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sterling College 8:1; Bethel University 15:1.

SC vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SC 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 SC ($13,112 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 9% lower than at Bethel University ($9,586 vs. $10,538).
• Sterling College is 80.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $14,988 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.1% higher at SC than at Bethel University (about $14,988 more per year; $33,700.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($23,673 vs. $17,700).

SC vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SC 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 SC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sterling College (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming SC 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: Sterling College 938/1123; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sterling College 18/24; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SC - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at SC (3.46).
• Bethel has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.4% at SC vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

SC vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SC 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).

• Sterling College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $3,587 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,663 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, SC graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($255 vs. $292).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.