Spelman vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spelman College in Atlanta, GA 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 Spelman based on total student enrollment (3,603 students vs. 3,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spelman College is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spelman College 11:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Spelman vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spelman 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 Spelman ($31,738 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 32.7% lower than at Spelman College ($12,170 vs. $18,091).
• Bethel University is 40.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Spelman (about $12,670 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.2% higher at Bethel University than at Spelman College (about $12,670 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Spelman College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 153.3% larger than aid received by Spelman College students ($26,886 vs. $10,614).

Spelman vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spelman 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 Spelman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Spelman (1210).
• Incoming Spelman 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: Spelman College 1108/1320; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 22/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spelman - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Spelman Feb 1, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spelman students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Spelman vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Spelman vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spelman 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).

• Spelman College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bethel University's (73%).
• Graduates from Spelman College earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 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 Spelman graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spelman graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spelman students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 47%)

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.