Bethel University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

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

Rider University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Rider 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 Rider University than Bethel University ($26,506 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 29.4% lower than at Rider University ($12,170 vs. $17,230).
• Bethel University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $3,106 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Bethel University than at Rider University (about $3,106 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at Rider University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 9% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($29,294 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Bethel University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Rider 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).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($252 vs. $266).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 73%)

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.