Taylor University vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?
Taylor University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $99,460 in 25.9 years versus 148.9 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $52,198 vs $48,860 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Taylor University | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,865 | $18,610 |
| Total net cost | $99,460 | $74,440 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,198 | $48,860 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 25.9 yrs | 148.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$22,700 | -$64,440 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Taylor University or Bethel University?
Bethel University, at $18,610 a year after aid versus $24,865 — a gap of $6,255 a year, or $25,020 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Taylor University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Taylor University graduates report a median $52,198 ten years after entry, $3,338 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, Taylor University or Bethel University?
Taylor University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Bethel University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
74% of students finish at Taylor University, against 53% at Bethel 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.