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St Olaf College and Bethany Lutheran College are both private nonprofit institutions — St Olaf College in Northfield, MN and Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Northfield, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 48.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,093
Tuition: $59,760/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.0%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Northfield, MN with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Mankato, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 39.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 669
Tuition: $31,360/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 54.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Communication
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Mankato, MN with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | St Olaf College | Bethany Lutheran College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 48.3% | 39.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1300–1470 |
| 1040–1180 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 28–32 | 21–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,093 | 669 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $59,760/year | $31,360/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,874 | $20,148 |
| Graduation rate | 84.0% | 54.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $65,543 | $46,110 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Northfield, MN | Mankato, MN |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Communication |
Bethany Lutheran College is more selective (39.0% vs 48.3% acceptance rate). Bethany Lutheran College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($20,148 vs $23,874). St Olaf College reports the higher graduation rate (84.0% vs 54.9%). St Olaf College is the larger undergraduate campus (3,093 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between St Olaf College and Bethany Lutheran College
St Olaf College has an acceptance rate of 48.3%; Bethany Lutheran College is around 39.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
St Olaf College tuition is $59,760/year. Bethany Lutheran College is $31,360/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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