Bethel University vs Manchester University: which has better ROI?
Manchester University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,220 in 23.9 years versus 148.9 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $51,504 vs $48,860 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bethel University | Manchester University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,610 | $18,805 |
| Total net cost | $74,440 | $75,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,860 | $51,504 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $26,854 |
| Payback | 148.9 yrs | 23.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$64,440 | -$12,340 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or Manchester University?
Bethel University, at $18,610 a year after aid versus $18,805 — a gap of $195 a year, or $780 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bethel University or Manchester University graduates earn more?
Manchester University graduates report a median $51,504 ten years after entry, $2,644 more than the $48,860 at Bethel University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Bethel University or Manchester University?
Bethel University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,854 at Manchester University, a difference of $1,854. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Bethel University, against 46% at Manchester University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.