Union Commonwealth University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, 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 Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University 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 Union Commonwealth University ($13,112 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 21.6% lower than at Bethel University ($8,261 vs. $10,538).
• Union Commonwealth University is 65.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $12,234 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Bethel University (about $12,234 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 52.3% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($26,961 vs. $17,700).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth University 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Union Commonwealth University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University 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).

• The graduation rate at Union Commonwealth University is the same as at Bethel University (32% vs. 32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($248 vs. $292).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.