WKU vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Bethel University 15:1.

WKU vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU 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 Western Kentucky University than Bethel ($12,548 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 16.2% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,538 vs. $12,582).
• Bethel University is 60.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $7,060 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.3% higher at WKU than at Bethel University (about $8,288 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bethel University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 62.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($17,700 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU 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 WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 30 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming WKU 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: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

WKU vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,250 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($250 vs. $292).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.