About Bethany College
Bethany College centers Swedish heritage and Lutheran values in a small Kansas farming town. The college enrolls 583 students and builds its reputation on strong music programs and competitive athletics. Nearly 78% of students participate in varsity sports across 17 teams, making it one of the most athletic campuses in the country. The Swedes compete in NJCAA athletics with $6.6 million in athletic scholarships available. Students experience a close-knit environment with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio in Lindsborg's rural setting.
The financial picture presents challenges for families. Students pay an average net price of $29,203 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $49,694 ten years after graduation. The 28.7% six-year graduation rate means many students leave without degrees but with debt. Those who do graduate carry a median debt load of $23,250 with monthly payments of $246. Federal loans support 68% of students, while 44% receive institutional grants averaging $21,045.
Retention tells a concerning story about student satisfaction. Only 49% of first-year students return for sophomore year, suggesting many struggle with the rural isolation or academic demands. The student body is 59% male and diverse for rural Kansas, with 40% students of color. Employment rates reach 92.4% for graduates, indicating strong job placement despite earnings concerns.
The financial picture presents challenges for families. Students pay an average net price of $29,203 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $49,694 ten years after graduation. The 28.7% six-year graduation rate means many students leave without degrees but with debt. Those who do graduate carry a median debt load of $23,250 with monthly payments of $246. Federal loans support 68% of students, while 44% receive institutional grants averaging $21,045.
Retention tells a concerning story about student satisfaction. Only 49% of first-year students return for sophomore year, suggesting many struggle with the rural isolation or academic demands. The student body is 59% male and diverse for rural Kansas, with 40% students of color. Employment rates reach 92.4% for graduates, indicating strong job placement despite earnings concerns.
Academics & Faculty
Bethany College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic foundations alongside their major coursework. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know every student by name. However, only 29% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenges many face in this small-town setting. The college maintains strong traditions in music education, drawing on its Swedish Lutheran heritage and Lindsborg's reputation as "Little Sweden USA." With 583 total students, academic programs remain small and discussion-based rather than lecture-heavy. The low graduation rates suggest students need significant support to persist through their degree programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.7%
- Retention Rate
- 49.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,694
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
Campus Life
Bethany College sits in Lindsborg, a small Swedish heritage town about 90 minutes north of Wichita. With 583 students and housing for 635, nearly all undergraduates live on the compact campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week of classes. Kansas winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring brings tornado watches and summer heat that makes air conditioning essential.
Weekend life revolves around the college's 17 varsity sports teams, with 453 athletes representing 78% of the student body. The Swedes compete in NJCAA athletics, drawing enthusiastic crowds to basketball and football games. Music students perform regularly in campus concerts, reflecting the college's strong Lutheran musical tradition. Students often walk to Lindsborg's Swedish-themed downtown for coffee or antique shopping. The rural setting means most social life happens on campus through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and student organizations. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, the community includes students from diverse economic backgrounds despite the $46,244 total cost of attendance.
Weekend life revolves around the college's 17 varsity sports teams, with 453 athletes representing 78% of the student body. The Swedes compete in NJCAA athletics, drawing enthusiastic crowds to basketball and football games. Music students perform regularly in campus concerts, reflecting the college's strong Lutheran musical tradition. Students often walk to Lindsborg's Swedish-themed downtown for coffee or antique shopping. The rural setting means most social life happens on campus through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and student organizations. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, the community includes students from diverse economic backgrounds despite the $46,244 total cost of attendance.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 635 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–41°F
- July Avg
- 67°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.9"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Kansas and beyond, with 56% traveling from out-of-state to this Swedish heritage town. The campus draws a diverse mix, with white students comprising less than half the population alongside substantial Black and Hispanic communities. Men outnumber women 59% to 41%, reflecting the college's emphasis on athletics with 453 varsity athletes competing across 17 sports. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Bethany's commitment to serving working-class families. The Lutheran identity attracts students seeking a faith-based education within a small liberal arts environment.
- Men
- 59.2%
- Women
- 40.8%
- White
- 46.3%
- Black
- 20.1%
- Hispanic
- 19.9%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 43.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.3%
Location
Bethany College sits in Lindsborg, Kansas, a town of about 3,500 people known as "Little Sweden USA." The campus lies roughly 20 miles south of Salina and 60 miles north of Wichita in the rolling prairie of central Kansas. Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage with annual festivals, authentic Dala horses, and traditional architecture that gives the small town a distinctive Scandinavian character. The 60-acre campus serves as the cultural heart of this rural community. With 583 students in a town this size, the college creates a tight-knit atmosphere where students and townspeople frequently interact. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Bethany College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lindsborg, Kansas 67456-1897
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,694
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,679
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bethany College?
Bethany College accepts 66% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The average SAT score is 952, reflecting the college's focus on providing opportunities for students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Bethany College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $29,203 after financial aid, with 43% receiving institutional grants averaging $21,045. The total sticker price is $46,244, but most families from lower income brackets pay less.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethany College?
Bethany College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 583 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships.
What are the graduation rates at Bethany College?
Only 29% of students graduate within four years, with a six-year graduation rate of 29%. The retention rate is 49%, indicating significant challenges with student persistence at this small Kansas institution.
Where is Bethany College located and what is campus life like?
Bethany College sits in rural Lindsborg, Kansas, a town known for its Swedish heritage. The campus houses 635 students and operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term.
How strong are athletics at Bethany College?
Bethany College fields 17 varsity sports teams with 453 total athletes, meaning nearly 78% of students participate in athletics. The Swedes compete in NJCAA and award over $6.6 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a central part of campus culture.
