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Bethel University vs Valparaiso University

Bethel University is a private university in Mishawaka, IN. Valparaiso University is a private university in Valparaiso, IN. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants and Bethel University about 98%, making Valparaiso University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,578 a year at Valparaiso University after aid, and about $18,610 at Bethel University. About 69% of students graduate at Valparaiso University, compared with 55% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, Valparaiso University alumni earn a median of about $63,191, against $48,860 for Bethel University.

Bethel University

Mishawaka, IN · Private

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mishawaka, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,008
2,083
Acceptance rate
98%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1150
1060–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
16–24
23–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,610
$18,578
Full cost / yr
$43,885
$58,437
In-state tuition
$34,600
$48,450
Out-of-state tuition
$34,600
$48,450
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,580
$11,043
$30k - $48k
$12,572
$12,055
$48k - $75k
$12,673
$15,279
$75k - $110k
$18,645
$22,311
Over $110k
$25,871
$24,780
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
69%
Freshman retention
72%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,271
$55,216
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,860
$63,191
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$26,942
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
27%
First-generation students
32%
29%
International students
10%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Bethel University or Valparaiso University harder to get into?
Valparaiso University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 98% 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, Bethel University or Valparaiso University?
Valparaiso University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,578 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,610 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 Bethel University and Valparaiso University?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $43,885 a year and Valparaiso University about $58,437. 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, Bethel University or Valparaiso University?
Valparaiso University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,043 there, against about $17,580 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or Valparaiso University?
Valparaiso University is the larger of the two, with about 2,083 undergraduates against 1,008 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or Valparaiso University have a better graduation rate?
Valparaiso University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 55% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel University or Valparaiso University earn more?
Valparaiso University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,191 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,860 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and Valparaiso University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Valparaiso University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and Valparaiso University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1150 at Bethel University and 1060–1280 at Valparaiso University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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