Union University vs Bethel University

Union University and Bethel University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Union, a private Christian university in Jackson, Tennessee, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Bethel, a private Christian university in McKenzie, Tennessee, offers a more diverse student body and a higher acceptance rate, providing a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. While both universities excel in various academic programs, Union is renowned for its strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum, while Bethel is known for its exceptional nursing and business programs. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, popular majors, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal academic destination that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
Bethel University logo

Bethel University

Union University logo

Union University

Overview

Location McKenzie, Tennessee Jackson, Tennessee
Campus setting Town: Distant City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester 4-1-4
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 55.0% 87.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Presbyterian Baptist

Admission

Acceptance rate 50.0% 52.9%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $25
SAT range 875 - 1108 1120 - 1330
ACT range 15 - 21 23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 7.0% 14.0%
Students submitting ACT score 72.0% 86.0%
Total number of applicants 2,148 2,660
Total number of admissions given out 1,073 1,407
Admitted students who chose to enroll 522 355
Yield rate 48.6% 25.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $32,670 $57,160
Average net price $16,139 $27,660
Tuition $16,222 $34,320
Room & board $9,368
Room/dormitory: $8,250

Meal plan: $3,800
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

97.0%
Average amount $14,696
99.0%
Average amount $27,090
Students receiving federal student loan 75.0%
Average amount $5,469
48.0%
Average amount $5,366
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $8,030
6.0%
Average amount $10,345

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,446
Men 47.4% Women 52.6%
1,993
Men 34.9% Women 65.1%
Graduate students 565
Men 34.7% Women 65.3%
937
Men 29.5% Women 70.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 2.3% 1.6%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant City: Small
Dormitory capacity 972 1,288
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 9:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 37.7% 68.3%
Dropout rate 34.9% 8.5%
Transferred out 27.4% 22.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,972
  • Year 2: $108,967
  • Year 3: $119,367
Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $64,157
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,064
  • Year 2: $55,061
  • Year 3: $56,946
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,807
  • Year 2: $47,729
  • Year 3: $53,703
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,898
  • Year 2: $50,022
  • Year 3: $49,458
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,085
  • Year 2: $43,943
  • Year 3: $45,488
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $41,193
  • Year 3: $41,184
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,354
  • Year 2: $39,950
  • Year 3: $39,095
Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,927
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,140
  • Year 2: $120,955
  • Year 3: $125,017
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,963
  • Year 2: $90,412
  • Year 3: $90,742
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,081
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $76,100
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,416
  • Year 2: $70,680
  • Year 3: $68,907
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,095
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $58,445
Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,930
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $57,493
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,028
  • Year 2: $44,590
  • Year 3: $47,722
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,732
  • Year 2: $47,191
  • Year 3: $47,278
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,103
  • Year 2: $43,674
  • Year 3: $45,420
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,212
  • Year 2: $39,693
  • Year 3: $41,241

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Union University and Bethel University?

    Union University is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, while Bethel University is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. This means that the faith traditions and values of these denominations are reflected in the campus culture and curriculum at each institution.

  • How do the academic programs at Union University and Bethel University compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Union University is particularly known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and pharmacy. Bethel University also has robust offerings, with notable programs in business, psychology, and education. The specific program strengths may vary, so it's best to research the programs that align with your academic interests at each university.

  • What is the typical campus environment like at Union University and Bethel University?

    Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and offers a traditional college campus experience. Bethel University is situated in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and provides a similar campus environment. Both universities emphasize a close-knit community, with opportunities for student involvement in clubs, organizations, and campus events. The specific feel of each campus can vary, so visiting or connecting with current students is recommended to get a sense of the atmosphere.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid packages differ between Union University and Bethel University?

    Tuition and fees vary between the two universities. It's important to check the most current tuition rates on each university's website. Both Union University and Bethel University offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help make education more affordable. The availability and amounts of financial aid can differ, so it's crucial to complete the FAFSA and explore the specific financial aid opportunities offered by each institution.

  • What are the student-to-faculty ratios at Union University and Bethel University?

    Both universities generally maintain favorable student-to-faculty ratios, which allows for more personalized attention from professors. While the exact ratios may fluctuate, you can expect a relatively small class size at both institutions, fostering a more interactive learning environment.

  • How do the locations of Union University and Bethel University impact the student experience?

    Union University's location in Jackson, Tennessee, provides access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of a mid-sized city, with easy access to larger cities like Memphis. Bethel University, located in Arden Hills, Minnesota, offers access to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, providing a wide range of cultural, professional, and recreational activities.

  • What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at Union University and Bethel University?

    Both universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, intramural sports, and campus events. Union University and Bethel University both encourage student involvement and provide opportunities for leadership development and community engagement. The specific clubs and activities may vary, so it's a good idea to explore the offerings at each university to see what aligns with your interests.

  • How do the graduation rates and career services compare at Union University and Bethel University?

    Both universities generally have strong graduation rates, indicating that students are successful in completing their degrees. Both institutions also offer career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, job searching, and internship opportunities. The specific resources and services may vary, so it's beneficial to investigate the career services departments at each university.

  • What are the admission requirements for Union University and Bethel University?

    Admission requirements typically include a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation. Specific requirements may vary, so it's essential to review the admission guidelines on each university's website. Both universities often consider a holistic review of applicants, taking into account academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.

  • Are there any specific programs or initiatives that distinguish Union University and Bethel University?

    Union University is known for its emphasis on faith integration in its curriculum and its strong pre-professional programs. Bethel University is recognized for its commitment to social justice and its focus on global engagement. These are just a few examples, and it's recommended to research the specific programs and initiatives that align with your interests and goals at each university.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Bethel University Bethel University vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Bethel University Bethel University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bethel University Bethel University vs Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana University-Bloomington
Bethel University Bethel University vs Valparaiso University Valparaiso University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Harvard University Harvard University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bethel University Bethel University vs Michigan State University Michigan State University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Augsburg University Augsburg University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Bethel University Bethel University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Carleton College Carleton College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Concordia University-Saint Paul Concordia University-Saint Paul
Bethel University Bethel University vs Martin Luther College Martin Luther College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Gustavus Adolphus College Gustavus Adolphus College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Macalester College Macalester College
Bethel University Bethel University vs North Central University North Central University
Bethel University Bethel University vs College of Saint Benedict College of Saint Benedict
Bethel University Bethel University vs Saint Johns University Saint Johns University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Bethel University Bethel University vs Crown College Crown College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Belhaven University Belhaven University
Bethel University Bethel University vs University of Mount Olive University of Mount Olive
Bethel University Bethel University vs Salem College Salem College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Baptist Health Sciences University Baptist Health Sciences University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Carson-Newman University Carson-Newman University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Cumberland University Cumberland University
Bethel University Bethel University vs Welch College Welch College
Bethel University Bethel University vs Stanford University Stanford University
Bethel University Bethel University vs DeVry University-Tennessee DeVry University-Tennessee
Union University Union University vs John Brown University John Brown University
Union University Union University vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Union University Union University vs Point Loma Nazarene University Point Loma Nazarene University
Union University Union University vs Lynn University Lynn University
Union University Union University vs Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach Atlantic University
Union University Union University vs Saint Leo University Saint Leo University
Union University Union University vs Southeastern University Southeastern University
Union University Union University vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Union University Union University vs Covenant College Covenant College
Union University Union University vs University of Georgia University of Georgia
Union University Union University vs Tricoci University of Beauty Culture Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Union University Union University vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Union University Union University vs Taylor University Taylor University
Union University Union University vs Valparaiso University Valparaiso University
Union University Union University vs Clear Creek Baptist Bible College Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Union University Union University vs Georgetown College Georgetown College
Union University Union University vs Xavier University of Louisiana Xavier University of Louisiana
Union University Union University vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Union University Union University vs University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College Park
Union University Union University vs Harvard University Harvard University
Union University Union University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Union University Union University vs Belhaven University Belhaven University
Union University Union University vs Mississippi College Mississippi College
Union University Union University vs Fontbonne University Fontbonne University
Union University Union University vs Southwest Baptist University Southwest Baptist University
Union University Union University vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
Union University Union University vs Cornell University Cornell University
Union University Union University vs Campbell University Campbell University
Union University Union University vs Duke University Duke University
Union University Union University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Union University Union University vs Cedarville University Cedarville University
Union University Union University vs Oklahoma Christian University Oklahoma Christian University
Union University Union University vs Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma Baptist University
Union University Union University vs Waynesburg University Waynesburg University
Union University Union University vs Wilkes University Wilkes University
Union University Union University vs Brown University Brown University
Union University Union University vs North Greenville University North Greenville University
Union University Union University vs Baptist Health Sciences University Baptist Health Sciences University
Union University Union University vs Bethel University Bethel University
Union University Union University vs Bryan College-Dayton Bryan College-Dayton
Union University Union University vs Carson-Newman University Carson-Newman University
Union University Union University vs Cumberland University Cumberland University
Union University Union University vs Lipscomb University Lipscomb University
Union University Union University vs Freed-Hardeman University Freed-Hardeman University
Union University Union University vs Lee University Lee University
Union University Union University vs Lincoln Memorial University Lincoln Memorial University
Union University Union University vs Trevecca Nazarene University Trevecca Nazarene University
Union University Union University vs University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Union University Union University vs Texas Wesleyan University Texas Wesleyan University
Union University Union University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
Union University Union University vs University of Charleston University of Charleston
Union University Union University vs Viterbo University Viterbo University
Union University Union University vs Stanford University Stanford University
Union University Union University vs The Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University