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 is a financial gamble, and the numbers say the odds are not in your favor. You pay $29,203 a year, but only 28.7% of students graduate and fewer than half come back for a second year. That retention number is the loudest warning here: if you enroll, there is roughly a coin-flip chance you leave before sophomore year, likely with debt and no degree.
The payoff for finishing is modest. Median earnings ten years out land just under $50,000, which sits close to what many jobs in central Kansas pay without a four-year degree. The two programs with listed earnings make the problem concrete. Teacher education graduates earn about $38,000, and criminology graduates earn about $29,000 , below what you'd owe in median debt after leaving. Neither of these covers the sticker cost quickly, and both point toward lower-paying regional fields.
The debt figure of $23,250 looks manageable only if you graduate and find work above these program salaries. If you're one of the majority who don't finish, that debt buys you nothing.
The net price tiers punish the wrong families. If your household earns under $30k, you still pay $28,825 , barely less than families earning over $110k. There is no meaningful low-income discount here, so the cost falls hardest on families least able to carry it.
Bethany makes financial sense if you are committed to teaching, know you will graduate, and can attend without heavy borrowing. If you are unsure of your major, price-sensitive, or chasing high earnings, look elsewhere. A Kansas public university will cost you far less for similar or better salary outcomes, and the completion odds there beat a coin flip.
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.