BLC vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hardin Simmons University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

BLC vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC or HSU? 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 Hardin Simmons University than BLC ($19,811 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 25% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($8,620 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $1,600 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at HSU than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $1,600 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 31.4% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($26,095 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BLC or HSU? 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 HSU and BLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 10 points higher than at HSU (1100).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at HSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 12.2% at HSU.

BLC vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC and HSU? 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 Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,739 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HSU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 67%)

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.