Warren Wilson vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Warren Wilson based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Warren Wilson College is located in Swannanoa, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Warren Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Warren Wilson College 12:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Warren Wilson vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson ($13,112 vs. $26,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 19.2% lower than at Warren Wilson College ($10,538 vs. $13,050).
• Warren Wilson College is 121.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $22,788 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.8% higher at Warren Wilson than at Bethel University (about $22,788 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Warren Wilson College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Warren Wilson College students is 74.5% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($30,887 vs. $17,700).

Warren Wilson vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson.

• Incoming Warren Wilson students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Warren Wilson College 21/29; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Warren Wilson - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Warren Wilson Jul 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Warren Wilson students have the same average high school GPA (3.6) as students at Bethel (3.6).
• Warren Wilson has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Warren Wilson vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Warren Wilson vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Warren Wilson 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).

• Warren Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Warren Wilson graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $30,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Warren Wilson College graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($23,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Warren Wilson graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($237 vs. $292).
• More Warren Wilson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.