Bethany Global University: 96.2% Acceptance Rate

96.2%Acceptance

$20,700Tuition

162Students

61%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Bethany Global University

Bethany Global University trains students for Christian ministry and cross-cultural work around the world. This small interdenominational school enrolls just 162 students in Bloomington, Minnesota, a Twin Cities suburb that gives students access to urban internships and church partnerships. Founded in 1948, the university focuses on preparing missionaries, pastors, and Christian workers through biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry training. With a 96% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students who feel called to serve rather than those chasing high test scores.

Students pay an average net price of $20,833, which stays remarkably consistent across all income levels. Graduates earn a median of $34,269 five years after graduation, reflecting the reality of ministry salaries rather than corporate paychecks. With typical student debt of just $12,000 and monthly loan payments of $127, the financial burden remains manageable for careers in non-profit and religious work. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students.

Women make up 73% of the student body, and most students come from out of state to study here. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. However, the 56% retention rate suggests the intense focus on ministry preparation doesn't fit everyone who enrolls.

Academics & Faculty

Bethany Global University focuses on ministry and missions training, preparing students for Christian service around the world. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with professors who often have real-world ministry experience. About 69% of students graduate in four years, which is solid for a specialized school where some students take breaks for mission trips or internships. The curriculum emphasizes practical ministry skills alongside biblical studies, with programs in pastoral ministry, youth work, and cross-cultural missions. Many students come here specifically to prepare for overseas work or church leadership roles. The small size (162 students) means every class feels like a seminar where professors know your name and career goals.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 8.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.2%
Retention Rate: 56.1%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

Bethany Global University sits in Bloomington, a Minneapolis suburb about 15 minutes from downtown. You'll need a serious winter coat here because Minnesota winters regularly drop below zero, though summers are warm and pleasant. The campus houses 284 students, but with total enrollment at 162, many beds stay empty or house students from nearby schools.

Women make up 72.84% of students, creating a female-dominated environment. Only 10.59% of students come from Minnesota, so most arrive from other states drawn by the school's Christian mission focus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. With such a small student body, everyone knows everyone by the end of freshman year.

Weekends often center around Twin Cities activities since campus life can feel quiet. Students drive to Minneapolis for concerts, sports games, and restaurants. The religious foundation means chapel attendance is expected and shapes campus culture. Many students participate in mission trips during breaks. Social life revolves around small group activities rather than big parties.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 284 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1948

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–24°F
July Avg: 64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 30.6"
Annual Snowfall: 51.2"

Student Demographics

Bethany Global University draws students from across the country, with nearly 90% coming from outside Minnesota. This reflects the school's specialized mission in ministry and global studies that attracts students nationwide rather than serving as a local college. The student body is almost three-quarters women, which aligns with the school's focus on missions work, where women have historically made up the majority of long-term missionaries. About half the students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many students from lower-income families who feel called to ministry careers despite modest financial resources.

Men: 27.2%
Women: 72.8%
White: 74.7%
Black: 1.9%
Hispanic: 4.9%
Asian: 3.7%
In-State Students: 10.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.9%

Location

Bethany Global University sits in Bloomington, Minnesota, just 10 miles south of Minneapolis. This puts students right in the Twin Cities metro area, one of the Midwest's largest urban regions with over 3 million people. Bloomington itself is home to the Mall of America and sits along the Minnesota River valley. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 10.59% coming from Minnesota. The small city setting gives students access to major city internships, entertainment, and job opportunities while maintaining a more manageable campus environment. The Twin Cities area offers strong job markets in healthcare, technology, and finance. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Bethany Global University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bloomington, Minnesota 55438-2849

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $34,269
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bethany Global University?

Bethany Global University accepts 96.15% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This small Christian college prioritizes mission fit over selective admissions, focusing on students called to ministry and cross-cultural work.

How much does Bethany Global University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,833 annually, with 46.85% receiving financial aid. The median debt at graduation is just $12,000, lower than most private colleges, though room and board costs only $4,930 due to the school's modest facilities.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethany Global University?

The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with only 162 total students enrolled. This intimate environment allows for personalized mentorship in missionary training and cross-cultural studies, core elements of the school's interdenominational Christian mission.

Does Bethany Global University have good graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate is 61.20%, while 68.57% graduate in four years. However, the retention rate of 56.10% suggests some students transfer or leave after their first year, possibly due to the specialized nature of the school's ministry-focused programs.

Where do students live at Bethany Global University?

The campus housing capacity is 284 students, which exceeds total enrollment of 162. Women make up 72.84% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on global missions work where female participation is historically strong.

What do graduates of Bethany Global University earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $34,269 five years after graduation, with 93.8% finding employment. These earnings reflect the school's focus on ministry and nonprofit work rather than high-paying corporate careers, aligning with its mission of training Christian workers for global service.