At $29,203/yr net price, Bethany College graduates earn $49,694/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,694/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,203 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,812 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,694/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,694/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,825/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,052/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,685/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,367/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,651/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Bethany College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bethany College presents a concerning financial picture with weak returns across nearly all programs. Your median earnings of $49,694 ten years after graduation barely justify the $29,203 annual net price, especially when only 29% of students actually complete their degrees.
The earnings data reveals serious red flags. Teacher education graduates earn just $38,289 annually, making loan repayment difficult on typical teacher salaries in Kansas. Criminology majors fare even worse at $29,141, earning less than many positions requiring only high school diplomas. These low returns become more problematic when you consider that 43% of students need financial aid and graduate with $23,250 in median debt.
Your biggest financial risk at Bethany is not graduating at all. The 29% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 49% retention rate signals that half of freshmen transfer or drop out after just one year, suggesting academic or financial struggles.
Bethany might work financially if you receive substantial merit aid that reduces your net price below $20,000 and you plan to pursue graduate school where your undergraduate institution matters less. You should look elsewhere if you need strong earning potential immediately after graduation or lack family financial support to weather potential academic setbacks.
Given the low completion rates and modest earnings outcomes, consider Bethany only if you have secured significant scholarships or have specific non-financial reasons for attending. The financial fundamentals suggest most students would achieve better returns at Kansas public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethany College worth the cost for most students?
With a net price of $29,203 per year and 10-year earnings of $49,694, Bethany College has a challenging return on investment. The low 28.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the financial risk significant.
Which programs at Bethany College offer the best ROI?
Teacher education graduates earn $38,289 after 10 years, which is the highest among Bethany College's programs. However, this is still below the national average for college graduates and may not justify the total cost of attendance.
How much debt do Bethany College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The bigger concern is the high dropout rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Bethany College?
The 28.7% graduation rate is the primary risk, meaning over 70% of students don't complete their degree. Combined with below-average post-graduation earnings, this creates poor odds for a positive return on investment.