Wheaton College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Wheaton College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 2,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wheaton College is located in Wheaton, IL (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Wheaton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wheaton College 10:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Wheaton College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheaton College 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 Wheaton College than Bethel University ($31,356 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 6.5% lower than at Wheaton College ($12,170 vs. $13,010).
• Wheaton College is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $1,320 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Wheaton College than at Bethel University (about $1,320 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Wheaton College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheaton College students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($27,987 vs. $26,886).

Wheaton College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wheaton College 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 Wheaton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (1370) is 120 points higher than at Bethel University (1250).
• Incoming Wheaton College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 1260/1470; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 28/32; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheaton College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wheaton College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Wheaton College (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.9% at Wheaton College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Wheaton College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheaton College 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from Wheaton College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $1,900 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($232 vs. $252).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 80%)

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.