UNI vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Bethel University 14:1.

UNI vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI or Bethel University? 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 University of Northern Iowa than Bethel University ($16,437 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 17.9% lower than at Bethel University ($9,986 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 345.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $34,290 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.7% higher at Bethel University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $22,514 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 358.4% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($26,886 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI or Bethel University? 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 University and UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 100 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

UNI vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI and Bethel University? 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than University of Northern Iowa's (67%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $3,775 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($20,625 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($213 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 72%)

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.