Bethel University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Bethel University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Columbia 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 Columbia College than Bethel University ($18,790 vs. $19,494).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 15.7% lower than at Bethel University ($9,390 vs. $11,140).
• Bethel University is 55.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $12,386 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.8% higher at Bethel University than at Columbia College (about $12,386 more per year; $34,600.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Bethel University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 52.2% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($25,046 vs. $16,451).

Bethel University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or Columbia 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 Columbia College and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Bethel University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Columbia 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $801 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($25,264 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($261 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 43%)

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.