Lake Forest College vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethel University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lake Forest College vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College than Bethel University ($31,225 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 4.2% lower than at Lake Forest College ($12,170 vs. $12,700).
• Lake Forest College is 27.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $12,176 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.5% higher at Lake Forest College than at Bethel University (about $12,176 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $44,226.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Bethel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 47.4% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($39,630 vs. $26,886).

Lake Forest College vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 40 points higher than at Bethel University (1250).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lake Forest College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Lake Forest College vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College's (68%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 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 Lake Forest College graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Forest College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

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.