Overview
Bethany Lutheran College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Mankato, Minnesota. The school accepts 58.5% of applicants and enrolls 682 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 58.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,140
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 990–1,290
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 682
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 Lutheran College operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the fall for the best financial aid opportunities and housing options. Your application will receive more attention when the admissions staff has time to review it thoroughly rather than during the spring rush.
Write your personal statement around how you'll contribute to a small campus community where everyone knows each other. Bethany's 682 students create an environment where you can't blend into the background, so highlight leadership experiences, volunteer work, or times you've stepped up in group settings. The college wants students who will be active participants rather than passive observers.
If you're interested in business or biology, mention specific faculty members you'd like to work with or research opportunities that appeal to you. The small class sizes mean you'll have direct access to professors, so show you've researched what that mentorship could look like. For arts students, reference the college's strong Lutheran musical tradition and performance opportunities.
Your faith background matters here, but you don't need to be Lutheran to attend. Write honestly about your spiritual journey or how you view the role of faith in education. Avoid generic statements about wanting a "Christian education" and instead discuss specific ways you'd engage with chapel services, service learning, or faith-based discussions.
The campus culture centers around close relationships between students and faculty. You'll live in a residential environment where your professors know your name and your academic struggles. Students who prefer anonymity or large lecture halls won't find what they're looking for here. Those who want professors to push them personally and academically will excel.
Submit strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your character and work ethic, not just your grades. Since Bethany emphasizes personal growth alongside academic achievement, choose recommenders who've seen you overcome challenges or develop as a person. Your high school counselor should address any grade inconsistencies or personal circumstances that affected your academic performance.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $17,680/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $30,010
- Students Receiving Aid
- 22%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,110/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for Bethany Lutheran College?
Bethany Lutheran College uses rolling admissions, so applications are reviewed as they are received. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Does Bethany Lutheran College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethany Lutheran College requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
Can I transfer credits to Bethany Lutheran College?
Bethany Lutheran College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous college to be considered for transfer admission.
What GPA do I need to get into Bethany Lutheran College?
Bethany Lutheran College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The school reviews applications based on overall academic performance, test scores, and other factors.