Iowa vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Iowa is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Iowa vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa 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 University of Iowa than Bethel University ($21,765 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.8% lower than at University of Iowa ($12,170 vs. $12,920).
• Bethel University is 292% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $32,943 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.5% higher at Bethel University than at University of Iowa (about $10,855 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 172.5% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($26,886 vs. $9,865).

Iowa vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa 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 Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Iowa (1230).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Iowa).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027; Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Iowa (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Iowa vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa 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 University of Iowa's (71%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $2,784 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($21,616 vs. $24,400).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($223 vs. $252).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 70%)

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.