Bethel University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Dakota is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (10,619 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting); University of South Dakota is in Vermillion, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 14:1; University of South Dakota 16:1.

Bethel University vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or USD? 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 University of South Dakota than Bethel University ($19,133 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Dakota are 14.9% lower than at Bethel University ($10,356 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 368.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than USD (about $34,794 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $9,432.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241.7% higher at Bethel University than at University of South Dakota (about $31,284 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $12,942.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of South Dakota (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 378.1% larger than aid received by University of South Dakota students ($26,886 vs. $5,623).

Bethel University vs. USD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 30 points higher than at USD (1220).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at USD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; University of South Dakota 1125/1315.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28; University of South Dakota 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; USD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at USD (3.43).
• USD has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 24.1% at USD.

Bethel University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and USD? 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 University of South Dakota's (47%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than USD graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $600 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($24,400 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USD students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 70%)

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.