Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.1%
- Retention Rate
- 60.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,898
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $49,632 | $15,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Bethel graduates face a challenging financial reality with median debt of $24,000 against starting salaries of $44,907. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 53% exceeds the recommended 40% threshold for manageable repayment. Monthly loan payments of $254 consume about 6.8% of gross income, which is reasonable but tight for new graduates. Many alumni pursue careers in education, social work, and nonprofit sectors, fields that align with the college's Mennonite values but often offer modest starting salaries. Earnings do improve over time, reaching $49,898 after ten years. The 69% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle financially. Given the high debt burden relative to early career earnings, Bethel offers a weak return on investment despite strong employment outcomes.