Bethel University vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with Elon University in Elon, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); Elon University is in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; Elon University 11:1.

Bethel University vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Elon? 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 Elon ($31,738 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 18.8% lower than at Elon University ($12,170 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $2,732 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Elon than at Bethel University (about $2,732 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 50.5% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($26,886 vs. $17,867).

Bethel University vs. Elon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or Elon? 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 Elon and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Bethel University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Elon (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027; Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 13.4% at Elon.

Bethel University vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Elon? 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $1,150 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($240 vs. $252).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.