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Bemidji State University vs Bethel University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN, and Bethel University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Bemidji State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 56% of applicants against 88% at Bethel University. Bemidji State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,261 a year against $28,556 at Bethel University. About 73% of students graduate at Bethel University, compared with 51% at Bemidji State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bethel University alumni earn a median of about $63,764, against $53,755 for Bemidji State University.

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN · Public

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bemidji, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,139
1,871
Acceptance rate
56%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1190–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,261
$28,556
Full cost / yr
$22,744
$58,569
In-state tuition
$10,237
$44,226
Out-of-state tuition
$10,237
$44,226
Application fee
Not reported
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,073
$22,218
$30k - $48k
$10,207
$22,279
$48k - $75k
$12,201
$20,071
$75k - $110k
$15,857
$24,963
Over $110k
$19,940
$33,155
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
73%
Freshman retention
73%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,469
$55,145
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,755
$63,764
Median debt at graduation
$19,750
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
19%
First-generation students
27%
19%
International students
2%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 25
Jul 25

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bemidji State University or Bethel University harder to get into?
Bemidji State University is harder to get into. It admits about 56% of applicants, compared with 88% at Bethel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bemidji State University or Bethel University?
Bemidji State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,261 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,556 at Bethel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bemidji State University and Bethel University?
Before aid, Bemidji State University costs about $22,744 a year and Bethel University about $58,569. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bemidji State University or Bethel University?
Bemidji State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,073 there, against about $22,218 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bemidji State University or Bethel University?
Bemidji State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,139 undergraduates against 1,871 at Bethel University.
Does Bemidji State University or Bethel University have a better graduation rate?
Bethel University has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 51% at Bemidji State University.
Do graduates of Bemidji State University or Bethel University earn more?
Bethel University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,764 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,755 for Bemidji State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bemidji State University and Bethel University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bemidji State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Bethel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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