Bethel University vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bethel University vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or Widener 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 Widener University than Bethel University ($26,778 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 26.4% lower than at Widener University ($12,170 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 26% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $11,504 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at Widener University than at Bethel University (about $11,504 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 62.6% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($43,706 vs. $26,886).

Bethel University vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 60 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 1190/1300; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.9% at Bethel University vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Bethel University vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and Widener 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 Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 68%)

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.