At $17,680/yr net price, Bethany Lutheran College graduates earn $46,110/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,110/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,680 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,110/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,110/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,667/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,224/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,099/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,008/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,753/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,488 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
59.6% of students at Bethany Lutheran College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bethany Lutheran College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $46,110 ten years after graduation and a net price of $17,680 annually, you'll face a long payback period that many comparable schools beat easily.
The earnings picture gets worse when you examine specific programs. Business majors earn just $38,289 despite carrying $21,500 in debt, while creative fields like Fine Arts produce graduates earning $25,194. Biology graduates fare poorly at $29,685, concerning given the typical pre-med aspirations in that major. No program at Bethany shows strong earning potential relative to the debt load.
The 60% graduation rate presents a major financial risk. Four out of ten students leave without completing their degree, yet many still carry debt from their time enrolled. The 80% retention rate suggests students recognize problems early but may have already borrowed money.
Bethany makes financial sense only for students who receive substantial merit aid or have strong family financial support that eliminates borrowing needs. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited scholarship opportunities. If you need loans to attend, the math works against you across all majors offered.
Students seeking business, biology, or communications degrees will find better earning potential at public universities in Minnesota at lower costs. Bethany might work for students prioritizing the small Christian college experience over financial returns, but only if money isn't a primary concern for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethany Lutheran College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,110 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $23,000, Bethany Lutheran offers decent value for a private college. The relatively low debt load makes it more affordable than many private schools, though earnings lag behind top-tier institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Bethany Lutheran College?
Business Administration leads with $38,289 in median earnings, while Biology graduates earn $29,685. Most other programs, including arts and communications, produce earnings in the mid-to-upper $20,000s, which is below the national average for college graduates.
How much student debt do Bethany Lutheran College graduates have?
The median debt at Bethany Lutheran is $23,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With the school's net price of $17,680 per year, students who graduate in four years typically avoid excessive borrowing.
Does Bethany Lutheran College have good graduation rates?
Bethany Lutheran's 59.6% graduation rate is concerning and below the national average for four-year colleges. This means nearly 40% of students don't finish their degree, which significantly hurts the return on investment for those who don't graduate.