Central College vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central College vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College 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 Central College ($13,112 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 12.6% lower than at Central College ($10,538 vs. $12,060).
• Central College is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel (about $2,276 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Central College than at Bethel University (about $2,276 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 27.1% larger than aid received by Central College students ($17,700 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College 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 Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 110 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Central College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Central College (3.52).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Central College vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($279 vs. $292).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.