Bethel University vs. South Dakota State University

Bethel University and South Dakota State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Bethel University
South Dakota State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Bethel University (87.8% admitted vs 98.3%). Typical SAT 1250 vs 1150.
  • Cheaper after aid: South Dakota State University. Average net price is $19,932 vs $31,738 at Bethel University.
  • Graduation: Bethel University 73% vs South Dakota State University 60%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Bethel University $50,100 vs South Dakota State University $47,700 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Bethel University South Dakota State University
Acceptance rate
Bethel University more selective
Bethel University87.8%
South Dakota State University98.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Bethel University higher
Bethel University1190-1300
South Dakota State University1060-1240
Average net price
South Dakota State University $11,806 less
Bethel University$31,738
South Dakota State University$19,932
In-state tuition
South Dakota State University $34,927 less
Bethel University$44,226
South Dakota State University$9,299
Out-of-state tuition
South Dakota State University $31,417 less
Bethel University$44,226
South Dakota State University$12,809
Graduation rate
Bethel University +13 pts
Bethel University73%
South Dakota State University60%
Median earnings (10 years)
Bethel University +$2,400
Bethel University$50,100
South Dakota State University$47,700

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at Bethel University and South Dakota State University with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at Bethel University Check my chances at South Dakota State University
  • Applied
  • Bethel University 1,754
  • South Dakota State University 7,287
  • Admitted
  • Bethel University 1,540
  • South Dakota State University 7,166
  • Acceptance rate
  • Bethel University 87.8%
  • South Dakota State University 98.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Bethel University 26.9%
  • South Dakota State University 34.1%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Bethel University 1250
  • South Dakota State University 1150
  • Typical ACT score
  • Bethel University 25
  • South Dakota State University 22
  • Average high school GPA
  • Bethel University 3.6
  • South Dakota State University 3.53
  • Typical high school grades
  • Bethel University A-
  • South Dakota State University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Bethel University Challenging
  • South Dakota State University Moderate
  • Applicant competition
  • Bethel University
  • South Dakota State University
  • SAT range
  • Bethel University 1190-1300
  • South Dakota State University 1060-1240
  • ACT range
  • Bethel University 22-28
  • South Dakota State University 19-25
  • Submit test scores
  • Bethel University Test optional
  • South Dakota State University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Bethel University May 1, 2027
  • South Dakota State University
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Bethel University $44,226
  • South Dakota State University $9,299
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Bethel University $44,226
  • South Dakota State University $12,809
  • Room & board
  • Bethel University $12,170
  • South Dakota State University $10,176
  • Average net price
  • Bethel University $31,738
  • South Dakota State University $19,932
  • Average grant aid
  • Bethel University $26,886
  • South Dakota State University $4,474
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Bethel University 100%
  • South Dakota State University 94%
  • Graduation rate
  • Bethel University 73%
  • South Dakota State University 60%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Bethel University $50,100
  • South Dakota State University $47,700
  • Making student loan payments
  • Bethel University 80%
  • South Dakota State University 77%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Bethel University $24,400
  • South Dakota State University $25,116
  • Median loan payment
  • Bethel University $252
  • South Dakota State University $259
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Bethel University 14:1
  • South Dakota State University 17:1
  • Popular majors
  • Bethel University
    • Business (24%)
    • Health Professions (18%)
    • Education (10%)
    • Communication (8%)
    • Psychology (5%)
  • South Dakota State University
    • Health Professions (22%)
    • Agriculture (13%)
    • Social Sciences (10%)
    • Work and Family Studies (7%)
    • Biology (6%)
  • Location
  • Bethel University Saint Paul, MN
  • South Dakota State University Brookings, SD
  • Setting
  • Bethel University Large Suburban
  • South Dakota State University Remote Town
  • Total enrollment
  • Bethel University 3,603
  • South Dakota State University 12,056
  • Type
  • Bethel University Private 4 Year
  • South Dakota State University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Bethel University #387
  • South Dakota State University #619

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

South Dakota State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 3,603 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
  • Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 16.4% lower than at Bethel University ($10,176 vs. $12,170).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 245.3% higher at Bethel University than at South Dakota State University (about $31,417 more per year; $44,226 vs. $12,809).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 500.9% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($26,886 vs. $4,474).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Bethel University than at South Dakota State University (25 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Bethel University and South Dakota State University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Bethel University average a 3.6 high school GPA, 0.07 higher than at South Dakota State University (3.53).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $716 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,116).
  • Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($252 vs. $259).
  • More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation (80% vs. 77%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Bethel University
South Dakota State University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges