Virginia Union University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Union University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Union University 16:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Virginia Union University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Bethany College ($11,483 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 16.6% lower than at Bethany College ($11,016 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 110.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $19,315 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.7% higher at Bethany College than at Virginia Union University (about $19,315 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 80.6% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($31,646 vs. $17,524).

Virginia Union University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 120 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Union University 850/885; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Virginia Union University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bethany College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (2.85) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Virginia Union University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Virginia Union University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany College graduates have a $2,866 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($30,884 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Bethany College graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($319 vs. $348).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 19%)

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.