ISU vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Iowa State University in Ames, IA with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Bethel University 14:1.

ISU vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Iowa State University than Bethel University ($17,779 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 11.2% lower than at Bethel University ($10,808 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 310% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $33,439 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.1% higher at Bethel University than at Iowa State University (about $15,345 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 149.2% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($26,886 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 10 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Bethel University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Bethel University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

ISU vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $532 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($23,868 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($246 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 74%)

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.