William Penn University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Penn University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,425 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Penn University is located in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Penn University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

William Penn University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Penn 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 Bethany College than William Penn University ($19,035 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 37.8% lower than at Bethany College ($8,222 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 23.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Penn University (about $7,015 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $29,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at Bethany College than at William Penn University (about $7,015 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $29,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University as at Bethany College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 56.7% larger than aid received by William Penn University students ($31,646 vs. $20,194).

William Penn University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Penn 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 William Penn University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 10 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at William Penn University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 880/1110; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 16/22; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Penn University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman William Penn University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.0) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Bethany College has a higher acceptance rate (58.8%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.9% at William Penn University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

William Penn University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Penn 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 William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from William Penn University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $6,884 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,000 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($248 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Penn University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 49%)

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.