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Bethel University vs Cumberland University

Bethel University is a private university in McKenzie, TN. Cumberland University is a private university in Lebanon, TN. Bethel University admits about 60% of applicants and Cumberland University about 67%, making Bethel University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,595 a year at Bethel University after aid, and about $18,759 at Cumberland University. About 46% of students graduate at Cumberland University, compared with 35% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, Cumberland University alumni earn a median of about $57,687, against $47,482 for Bethel University.

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Bethel University

McKenzie, TN · Private

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
McKenzie, TN
Lebanon, TN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,547
2,104
Acceptance rate
60%
67%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1120
910–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
15–21
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,595
$18,759
Full cost / yr
$31,203
$43,358
In-state tuition
$18,712
$27,840
Out-of-state tuition
$18,712
$27,840
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,871
$17,882
$30k - $48k
$17,356
$18,048
$48k - $75k
$11,713
$19,609
$75k - $110k
$10,473
$20,333
Over $110k
$15,163
$20,917
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
46%
Freshman retention
54%
59%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,990
$52,246
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,482
$57,687
Median debt at graduation
$27,249
$17,952
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
30%
First-generation students
51%
41%
International students
5%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Jul 25
Jan 1

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 Cumberland University harder to get into?
Bethel University is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 67% at Cumberland 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 Cumberland University?
Bethel University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,595 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,759 at Cumberland 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 Cumberland University?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $31,203 a year and Cumberland University about $43,358. 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 Cumberland University?
Bethel University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,871 there, against about $17,882 at Cumberland University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or Cumberland University?
Cumberland University is the larger of the two, with about 2,104 undergraduates against 1,547 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or Cumberland University have a better graduation rate?
Cumberland University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 35% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel University or Cumberland University earn more?
Cumberland University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,687 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,482 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and Cumberland University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Cumberland University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and Cumberland University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1120 at Bethel University and 910–1100 at Cumberland University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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