William Penn University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than William Penn University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Penn University is located in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Penn University 15:1; Bethel University 15:1.

William Penn University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Penn University 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 William Penn University ($13,112 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 22% lower than at Bethel University ($8,222 vs. $10,538).
• William Penn University is 59% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $11,038 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59% higher at William Penn University than at Bethel University (about $11,038 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($20,194 vs. $17,700).

William Penn University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming William Penn University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 880/1110; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 16/22; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Penn University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• Bethel has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.9% at William Penn University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

William Penn University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Penn University 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from William Penn University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($24,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($248 vs. $292).
• More William Penn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.