At $24,392/yr net price, Bethel College-North Newton graduates earn $49,898/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,898/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,392 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,898/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,898/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,905/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,911/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,747/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,800/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,435/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
43.1% of students at Bethel College-North Newton 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
Bethel College-North Newton presents a challenging financial proposition with weak returns across most programs and concerning graduation statistics. Your median earnings of $49,898 after ten years barely justify the $24,392 annual net price, especially when only 43% of students actually graduate.
The nursing program offers your best financial bet, delivering nearly $50,000 in median earnings with just $15,000 in debt. This represents solid value in Kansas's healthcare market. However, every other major falls short financially. Social work and general business graduates earn just $33,993, while physical education majors see even lower returns at $30,771. These earnings barely exceed what many high school graduates achieve without college debt.
The retention rate of 60% signals that many students struggle academically or financially, creating additional risk for your investment. You face real odds of accumulating debt without completing your degree.
Bethel makes financial sense only if you plan to pursue nursing and can access the school's merit aid programs. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs. For other majors, particularly in social services or education, you can likely find better value at Kansas public universities or community colleges.
Skip Bethel unless you have strong family ties to the institution or specific religious motivations that justify the premium. The combination of weak graduation rates, limited high-paying programs, and modest financial aid makes this an expensive path to careers you can access more affordably elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel College-North Newton worth the cost?
With graduates earning $49,898 after 10 years and a net price of $24,392 annually, Bethel offers modest returns. The 43% graduation rate means over half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts value.
What are the best paying programs at Bethel College-North Newton?
Nursing programs lead with $49,632 average earnings, making them the strongest ROI option. Business and social work graduates earn around $34,000, while education majors average $30,771.
How much debt do Bethel College-North Newton graduates have?
The median debt is $24,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting salaries around $50,000, graduates will need several years to pay off loans.
Should I attend Bethel College-North Newton for nursing?
Nursing is Bethel's strongest program with graduates earning $49,632 annually. The relatively low debt load makes this a reasonable choice for nursing students, though the low overall graduation rate is concerning.