Bethany College vs West Liberty University
Bethany College is moderately selective with a 60.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than West Liberty University (72.1%). Graduates of Bethany College earn $1,216 more per year at the 10-year mark ($44,512 vs $43,296). For families earning $48k–$75k, Bethany College is more affordable at $14,911 net price vs $16,744. Students at West Liberty University graduate with less debt ($23,250 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
West Liberty University has a higher yield rate (28.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Bethany, WV
West Liberty, WV
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Bethany College is more affordable at $9,618 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $23,711 vs $19,090.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Bethany College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (41%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bethany College
- 1 Communication and Media Studies$29,141
- 2 Social Work$28,598
- 3 Psychology, General$24,035
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$20,140
West Liberty University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$50,439
- 2 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$44,170
- 3 Criminal Justice and Corrections$34,420
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$33,281
- 5 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions$32,925
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bethany College
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Social Work
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations
West Liberty University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bethany College
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$28,950
- Est. total cost/year$41,960
- School typePublic
West Liberty University
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$16,090
- Est. total cost/year$25,912
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bethany College or West Liberty University?
Bethany College is more selective with a 60.5% acceptance rate, compared to 72.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bethany College or West Liberty University?
Bethany College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $44,512 compared to $43,296. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bethany College or West Liberty University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Bethany College has a lower net price at $14,911 per year vs $16,744. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bethany College vs West Liberty University?
West Liberty University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.6%, compared to 46.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bethany College or West Liberty University?
Bethany College has a larger international student population at 8% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bethany College and West Liberty University?
At Bethany College, Communication and Media Studies graduates earn a median of $29,141 within two years. At West Liberty University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $50,439. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.