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97.2%Acceptance
$34,002Tuition
499Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,898Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Other (not classified)

About Bethel College-North Newton

Bethel College builds its identity around Mennonite values of peace, service, and community engagement. This liberal arts college enrolls 499 students in the small Kansas town of North Newton, where the peace studies program draws students interested in conflict resolution and social justice. The 97% acceptance rate reflects the college's mission to welcome students seeking a values-centered education rather than chasing strong rankings.

Students pay an average net price of $24,392 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $49,898 ten years after leaving, which helps explain why monthly loan payments average just $254. The typical debt load of $24,000 remains manageable compared to many private colleges. However, the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees.

Athletic scholarships totaling over $3 million support 353 student-athletes across 19 varsity sports, making Bethel competitive in NJCAA athletics despite its small size. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families. The diverse student body includes 17% Black students and 17% Hispanic students, unusual demographics for rural Kansas.

Academics & Faculty

Bethel College operates as a Mennonite liberal arts institution where peace studies and social justice form the academic core. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student personally in this close-knit environment of 499 undergraduates. However, only 43% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges some face in this demanding academic setting. The college emphasizes experiential learning through community service requirements and conflict resolution coursework. Students often participate in international service learning trips that connect classroom theory to real-world peace-building work. The liberal arts curriculum requires students to explore multiple disciplines before choosing a major, typical of smaller denominational colleges that prioritize broad intellectual development over specialized training.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
59.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
47.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.1%
Retention Rate
60.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,898
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $49,632
Social Work. Bachelor $33,993
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $33,993
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $30,771

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

The 499 students at this Mennonite liberal arts college create a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. With housing capacity for 482 students, nearly the entire student body lives on campus in North Newton, a small Kansas town about 25 miles north of Wichita. Students bundle up for harsh prairie winters with snow and ice, then enjoy warm summers on the tree-lined campus.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and eating habits in the dining hall. Students gather for weekly chapel services and campus-wide discussions about social justice issues. The Mennonite emphasis on peace studies shapes campus culture around service and community engagement rather than Greek life or big parties. Weekend activities center on intramural sports among the 19 varsity teams, volunteer work in nearby communities, or road trips to Wichita for shopping and restaurants. The flat Kansas landscape offers stunning sunsets but limited outdoor recreation beyond the campus rec center and walking trails.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
482 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 2 2 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 0 0 0 1
Fondling 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–41°F
July Avg
69°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
33.8"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"

Student Demographics

Nearly half of Bethel's 499 students come from Kansas, reflecting the college's deep roots in local Mennonite communities. The student body is 54% male, likely drawn by strong athletic programs that include 19 varsity sports and attract 353 athletes. With 39% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable liberal arts education. The diverse racial composition, with significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students, aligns with Mennonite values of social justice and community building that define campus culture.
Men
54.1%
Women
45.9%
White
53.1%
Black
16.8%
Hispanic
16.8%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
48.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.8%

Location

Bethel College sits in North Newton, Kansas, about 25 miles north of Wichita. The campus serves 499 students in a classic small college town setting in the heart of the Great Plains. North Newton maintains strong ties to its Mennonite heritage, which aligns with the college's peace-centered mission. The town offers a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. Wide open spaces and prairie landscapes surround the area, creating an environment that fosters reflection and community building. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate scale of both the college and its surrounding community. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Bethel College with similar schools in the region.
Address
North Newton, Kansas 67117-1716

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,898
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,101
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,600
Loan Repayment Rate
69.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bethel College-North Newton?

Bethel College-North Newton accepts 97.15% of applicants with an average SAT score of 975. This Mennonite liberal arts college takes a well-rounded approach to admissions, welcoming students who align with their values of peace and community service.

How much does Bethel College-North Newton cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,392 after financial aid, despite the sticker price of $45,532. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college awards institutional grants averaging $22,028 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethel College-North Newton?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 with just 499 total students enrolled. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentorship relationships that align with the college's emphasis on community.

What are the graduation outcomes at Bethel College-North Newton?

The four-year graduation rate is 47.32%, with graduates earning a median salary of $49,898 ten years after graduation. While retention can be challenging at 60.36%, the college maintains strong career placement with a 98.7% employment rate.

Where is Bethel College-North Newton located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in North Newton, Kansas, a small town setting with housing capacity for 482 students. About 48% of students come from Kansas, creating a close-knit community atmosphere typical of Mennonite institutions.

Does Bethel College-North Newton have strong athletics programs?

The college offers 19 varsity sports through NJCAA competition with 353 total athletes participating. Athletic scholarships total over $3.1 million, demonstrating the school's commitment to supporting student-athletes in this comprehensive liberal arts environment.