Overview
Bethany College is a less selective private four-year institution in Lindsborg, Kansas. The school accepts 66.0% of applicants and enrolls 583 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.0%
- Average SAT
- 952
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 883–1,020
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 19
- Total Enrollment
- 583
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Bethany College uses rolling admissions, so apply early in your senior year to secure your spot and maximize financial aid opportunities. The application requires no supplemental essays beyond the personal statement, making it straightforward but putting extra weight on your main essay and activities list.
Your personal statement should connect to Bethany's Swedish Lutheran heritage and small-town Kansas setting. Write about how you plan to contribute to a tight-knit campus community where professors know your name and everyone participates in multiple activities. Mention specific programs like the education department's strong teacher preparation track or the criminology program if either matches your interests.
Bethany fits students who want personal attention and active campus involvement over big-school anonymity. With fewer than 600 students, you'll likely play sports, join theater productions, write for the campus newspaper, and participate in student government simultaneously. The campus culture centers around the Swede tradition, including annual festivals like Hyllningsfest that celebrate the town's Swedish roots.
Your application stands out when you show genuine interest in small liberal arts education and rural Kansas life. Don't apply here as a safety school without understanding what you're signing up for. Lindsborg is a town of 3,000 people where the college forms the heart of community life. Students who succeed here embrace this environment rather than complaining about limited nightlife or restaurant options.
Submit your FAFSA early since Bethany offers substantial financial aid packages to make attendance affordable. The college meets demonstrated need generously, making the sticker price misleading for most families. Contact your admissions counselor directly with questions since the small staff provides personalized attention throughout the process.
Your grades and test scores matter less here than showing you understand and want what Bethany offers. Write about why you chose a small Kansas college over larger universities. Demonstrate that you've researched the town, the traditions, and the academic programs rather than just applying broadly to similar schools.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $29,203/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $31,946
- Students Receiving Aid
- 43%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,694/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 49.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bethany College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Bethany College has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Bethany College?
Bethany College operates on a rolling admissions basis. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so applying earlier increases your chances of acceptance and scholarship consideration.
Does Bethany College offer early decision or early action?
Bethany College does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through their rolling admissions system.
How many transfer credits does Bethany College accept?
Bethany College accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 94 credit hours from four-year institutions. Transfer students must complete at least 30 credit hours at Bethany to graduate.