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Bethany Lutheran College vs St Olaf College

Bethany Lutheran College is a private college in Mankato, MN, and St Olaf College is a private college in Northfield, MN. Bethany Lutheran College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 39% of applicants against 48% at St Olaf College. Bethany Lutheran College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,148 a year against $23,874 at St Olaf College. About 84% of students graduate at St Olaf College, compared with 57% at Bethany Lutheran College. Ten years after enrolling, St Olaf College alumni earn a median of about $65,543, against $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College.

Bethany Lutheran College

Mankato, MN · Private

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mankato, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
669
3,093
Acceptance rate
39%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1180
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,148
$23,874
Full cost / yr
$41,013
$71,843
In-state tuition
$31,360
$59,760
Out-of-state tuition
$31,360
$59,760
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,571
$10,404
$30k - $48k
$16,564
$11,342
$48k - $75k
$17,233
$12,584
$75k - $110k
$20,099
$20,367
Over $110k
$24,961
$33,166
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
84%
Freshman retention
72%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,652
$48,373
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,110
$65,543
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
21%
First-generation students
Not reported
13%
International students
20%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 25
Nov 1
Regular decision
Aug 1
Jan 15

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 Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College harder to get into?
Bethany Lutheran College is harder to get into. It admits about 39% of applicants, compared with 48% at St Olaf College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College?
Bethany Lutheran College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,148 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,874 at St Olaf College. 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 Bethany Lutheran College and St Olaf College?
Before aid, Bethany Lutheran College costs about $41,013 a year and St Olaf College about $71,843. 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, Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,404 there, against about $12,571 at Bethany Lutheran College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 669 at Bethany Lutheran College.
Does Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College have a better graduation rate?
St Olaf College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 57% at Bethany Lutheran College.
Do graduates of Bethany Lutheran College or St Olaf College earn more?
St Olaf College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethany Lutheran College and St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethany Lutheran College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Olaf College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bethany Lutheran College and St Olaf College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1180 at Bethany Lutheran College and 1300–1470 at St Olaf College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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