Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Mishawaka, IN & Montgomery, AL
When students choose between Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama and Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, they're comparing two small private colleges with different approaches to undergraduate education. Both charge similar net prices around $20,000/year, but serve different academic missions.
Faulkner focuses heavily on business education, while Bethel offers a more diverse program mix anchored by strong health science programs. The earnings data reveals a notable gap that reflects these programmatic differences.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$23,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$15,256
borrowed by parents
$14,000
borrowed by parents
Faulkner is predominantly business-focused, with 60% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. The largest programs include Business Administration (105 graduates annually) and General Business (89 graduates).
Bethel has a more balanced mix: 20% Business, 8% Education, 5% Arts. Bethel's largest program is Registered Nursing (51 graduates), followed by Business Administration (37).
This program composition helps explain the earnings differences between institutions, as nursing and healthcare careers typically offer stronger initial salary prospects than general business degrees.
For students prioritizing healthcare careers or diverse program options, Bethel delivers modestly higher earnings at a comparable cost, though completion risk is a concern given the 57% graduation rate. Faulkner offers focused business education with better completion rates (38% vs 57%) and serves a slightly higher percentage of low-income students (44% vs 35% Pell recipients).
Both schools present affordability challenges that require careful financial planning. The data slightly favors Bethel for career outcomes, but Faulkner demonstrates stronger value relative to expectations.
The right choice depends on your program interests, career goals, and tolerance for completion risk versus focused business preparation.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
