Bethel University vs Simpson College: Introduction
When considering higher education, potential students often compare schools to find the right fit for their needs and goals. In this comparison, we will dive into the key aspects of Bethel University and Simpson College, exploring their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and more. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between these two institutions, helping you make an informed decision about which one may be the best choice for you.
Bethel University Overview
Bethel University, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a private Christian institution founded in 1871. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs, with a strong emphasis on faith integration and a commitment to academic excellence. The campus provides a close-knit community feel, with a total enrollment of around 3,600 students.
Bethel University Costs & Tuition
Bethel University’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $39,300 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional fees include room and board, which is approximately $10,550 per year. While the cost of attendance may seem high, Bethel offers financial aid packages to help offset expenses. Approximately 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Bethel University Admissions
Admission to Bethel University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 83%. Applicants are required to submit an online application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT score for admitted students is 24, and the average SAT score is 1220. In addition to academic qualifications, Bethel looks for students who demonstrate a commitment to their faith and community.
Bethel University Degrees Offered
Bethel University offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and seminary programs. Some popular areas of study include Business Administration, Nursing, Elementary Education, Biology, and Engineering. The university also offers a variety of online and adult undergraduate programs for students seeking flexibility in their education.
Bethel University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, Bethel University provides a personalized learning environment where students can receive individual attention from professors. The average class size is just 20 students, allowing for collaborative and engaging learning experiences. Bethel is also committed to research and encourages students to engage in undergraduate research projects.
Bethel University Diversity
Bethel University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. While the majority of students are white (74%), the university works to increase the representation of minority populations, with 10% of students identifying as Hispanic, 7% as Black, and 5% as Asian. Bethel also has a growing international student body, with students from over 30 countries represented on campus.
Bethel University Students
Bethel University offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, with over 50 clubs and organizations to choose from. Additionally, the university has a strong commitment to service and encourages students to participate in local and global outreach programs. Athletics is also a significant part of campus culture, with 18 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III.
Bethel University Campus
The 247-acre campus of Bethel University is located in the quiet suburb of Arden Hills, just 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently renovated Brushaber Commons and the Hagstrom Center. Residence halls are located on campus, providing students with a safe and convenient living environment.
Bethel University Alumni
Bethel University boasts a strong alumni network of over 25,000 individuals, many of whom are actively engaged in their communities and professions. Notable alumni include former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and author/speaker Dr. John Townsend.
Bethel University Rankings
Bethel University is consistently ranked among the top Christian colleges in the nation. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Bethel ranks #11 in Regional Universities Midwest and #40 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Bethel University Outcomes
Bethel University prides itself on preparing its students for successful careers and lives after graduation. According to the university, 94% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for Bethel graduates is $44,000.
Simpson College Overview
Simpson College, located in Indianola, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1860. With a focus on experiential learning and a strong liberal arts foundation, Simpson offers undergraduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. The college’s total enrollment is around 1,300 students, providing a tight-knit community and personalized educational experience.
Simpson College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Simpson College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $42,290 for full-time undergraduate students. Room and board fees are approximately $9,800 per year. Like Bethel University, Simpson offers financial aid packages to help ease the burden of attending college. Approximately 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average award package of $27,000.
Simpson College Admissions
Admission to Simpson College is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 84%. Applicants are required to submit an online application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT score for admitted students is 23, and the average SAT score is 1140. Simpson also considers factors such as extracurricular involvement and community service in their admissions process.
Simpson College Degrees Offered
Simpson College offers over 80 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a few graduate programs. Popular areas of study include Business Administration, Biology, Elementary Education, Computer Science, and Psychology. Additionally, Simpson offers a variety of pre-professional programs in areas such as law, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
Simpson College Academics
The student-faculty ratio at Simpson College is 11:1, similar to that of Bethel University. This allows for a personalized learning experience where students can form close relationships with their professors. The average class size is just 17 students, promoting collaborative learning and in-depth discussions. Simpson is committed to experiential learning and encourages students to participate in internships, research, and study abroad opportunities.
Simpson College Diversity
Simpson College values diversity and inclusivity on its campus. While the majority of students are white (76%), the college strives to increase the representation of minority populations, with 9% of students identifying as Hispanic, 5% as Black, and 2% as Asian. Simpson also has a growing international student body, with students from over 20 countries represented on campus.
Simpson College Students
Simpson College offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, with over 75 clubs and organizations to choose from. Additionally, the college is committed to community service and encourages students to participate in local and global outreach programs. Athletics is also an integral part of campus culture, with 19 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III.
Simpson College Campus
Simpson College’s 85-acre campus is located in the charming town of Indianola, just 12 miles south of Des Moines. The campus features modern facilities, including the recently opened Kent Campus Center and the Cowles Center for the Arts. Residence halls are available on campus, providing students with a safe and convenient living environment.
Simpson College Alumni
Simpson College has a strong alumni network of over 20,000 individuals, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in various fields. Notable alumni include U.S. Congressman Leonard Boswell and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Clark Kauffman.
Simpson College Rankings
Simpson College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Simpson ranks #147 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #249 in High School Counselor Rankings.
Simpson College Outcomes
Simpson College prides itself on preparing its students for successful careers and lives after graduation. According to the college, 96% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for Simpson graduates is $40,000.
Bethel University vs Simpson College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Bethel University and Simpson College, it’s essential to consider both tuition and additional fees. At Bethel, the total cost of attendance, including tuition, room, and board, is approximately $49,850 per year. At Simpson, the total cost, including tuition, room, and board, is $52,090 per year.
While both schools have high costs, it’s important to remember that both offer financial aid packages to help offset expenses. At Bethel, 99% of students receive financial aid, while at Simpson, 100% of students receive aid. The average financial aid package at Bethel is not disclosed, while at Simpson College, it is $27,000.
Bethel University vs Simpson College Admissions Difficulty
Both Bethel University and Simpson College have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 83% and 84%, respectively. Both schools require an online application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT and SAT scores for admitted students are similar between the two schools, with Bethel students scoring slightly higher on average.
In addition to academic qualifications, both schools look for factors such as extracurricular involvement and community service in their admissions processes. Bethel University also places a strong emphasis on the applicant’s commitment to their faith.
Bethel University vs Simpson College Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both Bethel University and Simpson College is relatively similar, with both schools having a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an emphasis on personalized learning experiences. The average class sizes at both institutions are small, allowing for collaborative and engaging learning environments.
Both schools offer a wide variety of undergraduate majors and minors, as well as some graduate and seminary programs. While the specific degree programs offered may differ, the overall academic difficulty can be considered comparable between the two institutions.
Bethel University vs Simpson College Outcome Comparison
When considering post-graduation outcomes, both Bethel University and Simpson College have high success rates for their graduates. At Bethel, 94% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $44,000. At Simpson College, 96% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months, with an average starting salary of $40,000.
While both schools have successful outcomes for their graduates, it’s essential to consider individual goals and needs when determining which institution may be the best fit for you.
