About Bethany College
Bethany College builds tight bonds among its 642 students in the hills of West Virginia. This liberal arts institution has cultivated a close-knit community atmosphere since 1881. The college draws students from across the country, with only 18% coming from in-state. Small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know every student by name. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus values without overwhelming the academic experience.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $15,306 after aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable for many families. Low-income students pay just $9,618 per year on average. Graduates earn a median of $44,512 ten years after leaving, carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The loan repayment rate of 53% suggests some graduates struggle financially after college. Monthly loan payments average $286 for those with debt.
Athletics dominate campus culture at this Division III school. Nearly 77% of students compete in one of 17 varsity sports, an unusually high participation rate that creates a spirited atmosphere. The men-heavy student body (59.5% male) reflects strong recruitment in sports programs. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate indicates academic completion remains a challenge for many students.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $15,306 after aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable for many families. Low-income students pay just $9,618 per year on average. Graduates earn a median of $44,512 ten years after leaving, carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The loan repayment rate of 53% suggests some graduates struggle financially after college. Monthly loan payments average $286 for those with debt.
Athletics dominate campus culture at this Division III school. Nearly 77% of students compete in one of 17 varsity sports, an unusually high participation rate that creates a spirited atmosphere. The men-heavy student body (59.5% male) reflects strong recruitment in sports programs. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate indicates academic completion remains a challenge for many students.
Academics & Faculty
Bethany College operates as a traditional liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic disciplines rather than narrow specializations. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. However, only 46% of students graduate within six years, suggesting academic rigor or financial pressures create challenges for degree completion. The college maintains strong programs in education and business, reflecting its practical approach to liberal arts education. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentoring relationships with faculty. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills across multiple disciplines. Academic support systems help address the retention challenges, with 63% of students returning for their sophomore year.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.3%
- Retention Rate
- 63.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,512
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
With just 642 students tucked into rural West Virginia, Bethany College creates an intimate campus where everyone knows your name. The college sits about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, giving students access to city internships and entertainment while maintaining that small-town feel. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as West Virginia winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly dip below freezing.
Nearly all students live on campus, with housing for 720 in a community of 642 enrolled. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who invite classes to their homes for dinner. Athletics dominate weekend life, with 492 students competing in 17 varsity sports across NCAA Division III. Football games draw the whole campus, and the Presidents' Athletic Conference rivalries run deep. When not cheering on the Bison, students gather for movie nights in residence halls or explore nearby hiking trails. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation creates a values-centered environment without being overwhelming. With 59.5% male enrollment, the campus skews slightly toward men, creating a unique active among the close-knit student body.
Nearly all students live on campus, with housing for 720 in a community of 642 enrolled. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who invite classes to their homes for dinner. Athletics dominate weekend life, with 492 students competing in 17 varsity sports across NCAA Division III. Football games draw the whole campus, and the Presidents' Athletic Conference rivalries run deep. When not cheering on the Bison, students gather for movie nights in residence halls or explore nearby hiking trails. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation creates a values-centered environment without being overwhelming. With 59.5% male enrollment, the campus skews slightly toward men, creating a unique active among the close-knit student body.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 720 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1881
Campus Safety (2023)
36 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–37°F
- July Avg
- 63°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.2"
Student Demographics
Most students come from outside West Virginia, with only 18% calling the state home. This creates a diverse geographic mix that reflects Bethany's national recruiting reach. The student body leans male at nearly 60%, which aligns with the college's strong athletic culture across 17 varsity sports. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, Bethany serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking an affordable liberal arts education. The demographic blend of white, Black, and Hispanic students creates a community where students from different backgrounds come together on this small rural campus.
- Men
- 59.5%
- Women
- 40.5%
- White
- 47.5%
- Black
- 18.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.4%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 18.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.0%
Location
Bethany College sits in the small town of Bethany, West Virginia, about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh. The rural-fringe setting places the college on the edge of the West Virginia panhandle, surrounded by rolling Appalachian hills and farmland. Just 642 students attend this intimate campus where nearly everyone knows each other. The town itself revolves around the college, creating a classic small college-town atmosphere where students can't walk to class without seeing familiar faces. With 82% of students coming from out-of-state, the community draws from across the country to this quiet corner of the Mountain State. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Bethany College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bethany, West Virginia 26032
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,512
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,767
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bethany College?
Bethany College accepts 64.92% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The college draws students from across the country, with only 18.09% coming from West Virginia itself.
How much does Bethany College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,306 after aid, well below the sticker price of $34,816. The college provides institutional grants averaging $30,005 to 26.01% of students, making this Disciples of Christ institution more affordable than it appears.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethany College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 12:1 across the 642-student campus. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships, though the 63.07% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the rural West Virginia setting.
What are the graduation rates at Bethany College?
Only 46.30% of students graduate within six years, with 44.13% finishing in four years. Graduates earn a median of $44,512 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the challenges of a small college degree in today's job market.
Where is Bethany College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Bethany, West Virginia, housing up to 720 students in a close-knit community atmosphere. With 492 student athletes competing in 17 NCAA Division III sports, athletics dominate campus culture at this small college.
Does Bethany College have a strong athletics program?
Nearly 77% of the 642 students participate in varsity athletics across 17 sports in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. The heavy emphasis on NCAA Division III competition shapes the campus culture, with more athletes per capita than most colleges.
