About Bethel University
Bethel University serves 1,069 students in the small city of Mishawaka, just outside South Bend. This Missionary Church-affiliated institution built its reputation around business, education, and nursing programs. The university accepts 99.47% of applicants, reflecting its open-door mission to provide Christian higher education. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that emphasizes personal attention and mentorship.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with significant aid. While sticker price reaches $45,140, most students pay far less through institutional support. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,050 after aid, while those from higher-income families typically pay around $24,000. Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000 and earn $48,860 ten years after graduation. The math works reasonably well for most students, especially given the modest monthly loan payments of $265.
Athletics dominates campus culture with 560 student-athletes competing across 21 NJCAA sports as the Pilots. Over half the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused environment. The 57% graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing academics with other commitments, though 96.8% find employment after leaving.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with significant aid. While sticker price reaches $45,140, most students pay far less through institutional support. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,050 after aid, while those from higher-income families typically pay around $24,000. Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000 and earn $48,860 ten years after graduation. The math works reasonably well for most students, especially given the modest monthly loan payments of $265.
Athletics dominates campus culture with 560 student-athletes competing across 21 NJCAA sports as the Pilots. Over half the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused environment. The 57% graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing academics with other commitments, though 96.8% find employment after leaving.
Academics & Faculty
Bethel builds its academic reputation around Christian-centered programs in business, education, and nursing. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, the 57% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees within six years. As a private Christian university affiliated with the Missionary Church, faith integration shapes every program from the business school to teacher preparation. The relatively low SAT averages, with a median of 860, indicate Bethel accepts students who may need additional academic support. Strong employment outcomes show 96.8% of graduates find work, particularly in education and healthcare fields where the university has established regional connections.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.2%
- Retention Rate
- 70.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,860
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,851 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,127 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Bethel's 1,069 students call a compact Mishawaka campus home, about 90 miles from Chicago and 20 minutes from South Bend. The campus sits in northern Indiana, where students pack winter coats for snowy months and enjoy mild summers. With housing capacity for 723 students and total enrollment around 1,000, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus, creating a close-knit residential community.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the Missionary Church affiliation shapes campus culture through chapel services and faith-based programming. Weekends often center around the 21 varsity sports teams, with 560 total athletes representing over half the student body as Bethel Pilots. Students gather for basketball games and build traditions around athletic events. The small-town Indiana setting means campus life stays central to the social scene. With 70% retention rates, the intimate environment suits students seeking personal attention and strong community bonds, though some may find the 1,000-student population limiting for those wanting big-campus energy.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the Missionary Church affiliation shapes campus culture through chapel services and faith-based programming. Weekends often center around the 21 varsity sports teams, with 560 total athletes representing over half the student body as Bethel Pilots. Students gather for basketball games and build traditions around athletic events. The small-town Indiana setting means campus life stays central to the social scene. With 70% retention rates, the intimate environment suits students seeking personal attention and strong community bonds, though some may find the 1,000-student population limiting for those wanting big-campus energy.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 723 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.9"
Student Demographics
Bethel draws primarily Indiana students who value its Missionary Church roots and career-focused programs. Three-quarters of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in education, business, and nursing. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely driven by the school's emphasis on education and healthcare fields that traditionally attract female students. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Bethel's commitment to serving working-class families seeking Christian higher education. The student body remains predominantly white, typical of smaller Midwestern religious institutions.
- Men
- 42.4%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 69.6%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 9.9%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 74.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.2%
Location
Bethel University sits in Mishawaka, Indiana, about 90 miles east of Chicago and just minutes from South Bend. The campus serves 1,069 students in a small city setting that blends suburban neighborhoods with light industry. Mishawaka borders the University of Notre Dame, creating a college-friendly atmosphere despite Bethel's smaller size. The area experiences all four seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers typical of the Midwest. Students enjoy access to the St. Joseph River and numerous parks for outdoor activities. The region's manufacturing heritage includes companies like AM General, which builds military vehicles. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Bethel University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mishawaka, Indiana 46545-5591
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,860
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,788
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bethel University?
Bethel University accepts 99.47% of applicants with an average SAT score of 860. The school operates with an open admissions philosophy that welcomes students seeking a Christian education regardless of test scores.
How much does Bethel University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,726 after aid, down from the full tuition of $33,320. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $23,114 to about a quarter of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethel University?
Bethel maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,069 students enrolled. The small size allows for personalized attention in programs like business, education, and nursing that the university is known for.
What are the graduation rates at Bethel University?
About 57% of students graduate within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $48,860 after ten years. The 70% retention rate reflects the close-knit community feel of this Missionary Church-affiliated institution.
Where is Bethel University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Mishawaka, Indiana, a small city setting that houses 723 students on campus. With 21 varsity sports and 560 total athletes competing in NJCAA athletics, the Pilots maintain a strong athletic culture for a school this size.
Does Bethel University offer good value for Christian education?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,050 net price, making Christian higher education accessible. With 96.8% employment rate and monthly loan payments averaging $265, graduates typically find stable career paths after this faith-based education.
