BLC vs. Gwynedd Mercy University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN with Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gwynedd Mercy University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (2,017 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Gwynedd Mercy University is in Gwynedd Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Gwynedd Mercy University 12:1.

BLC vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or Gwynedd Mercy 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 Bethany Lutheran College than Gwynedd Mercy University ($21,127 vs. $27,960).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 38.2% lower than at Gwynedd Mercy University ($8,620 vs. $13,956).
• Gwynedd Mercy University is 27.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $8,762 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.9% higher at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $8,762 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College as at Gwynedd Mercy University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gwynedd Mercy University students is 38.7% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($27,554 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BLC or Gwynedd Mercy 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 Gwynedd Mercy University and BLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 10 points higher than at Gwynedd Mercy University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Gwynedd Mercy University 1023/1186.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Gwynedd Mercy University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027; Gwynedd Mercy University Aug 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Gwynedd Mercy University (3.34).
• Gwynedd Mercy University has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 17% at Gwynedd Mercy University.

BLC vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and Gwynedd Mercy 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).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Gwynedd Mercy University's (52%).
• Graduates from Gwynedd Mercy University earn a median of about $19,300 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gwynedd Mercy University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 63%)

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.