Bluffton University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Bluffton University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Bethel? 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 Bluffton University ($13,112 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 13.8% lower than at Bluffton University ($10,538 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 99.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $18,650 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.7% higher at Bluffton University than at Bethel University (about $18,650 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 77.9% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($31,481 vs. $17,700).

Bluffton University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluffton University (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Bluffton University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Bluffton University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($279 vs. $292).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 33%)

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.