Howard vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Howard University in Washington, DC with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Howard University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Howard vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard or Bethel 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 Bethel University than Howard ($31,738 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 29.7% lower than at Howard University ($12,170 vs. $17,322).
• Bethel University is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $8,416 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Bethel University than at Howard University (about $8,416 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 26.5% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($26,886 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Howard (1210).
• Incoming Howard students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Bethel University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Howard vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard and Bethel 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 Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 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 Howard graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.