University of West Alabama vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of West Alabama is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Bethel University 15:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama ($13,112 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 21.9% lower than at Bethel University ($8,230 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 70.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $7,722 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at University of West Alabama than at Bethel University (about $1,378 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of West Alabama (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 95.9% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($17,700 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Alabama (990) is 10 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming University of West Alabama 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: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Bethel has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

University of West Alabama vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have a $1,761 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($26,489 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($273 vs. $292).
• More University of West Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.