Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee Wesleyan University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,198 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University than Bethany College ($15,125 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Wesleyan University are 28.4% lower than at Bethany College ($9,458 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 19.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee Wesleyan University (about $5,951 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $30,814.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Bethany College than at Tennessee Wesleyan University (about $5,951 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $30,814.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Wesleyan University as at Bethany College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 28.2% larger than aid received by Tennessee Wesleyan University students ($31,646 vs. $24,692).

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Wesleyan University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Tennessee Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 960/1100; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee Wesleyan University 17/23; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee Wesleyan University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee Wesleyan University students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Tennessee Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (68.8%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee Wesleyan 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University's (44%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have a $12,134 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($18,750 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($193 vs. $319).
• More Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethany College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 56%)

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.