About Bethel University
Students pay an average net price of $28,439 after financial aid, which represents substantial savings from the $56,360 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $63,764 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable with monthly payments around $228. The investment pays off with a 96.7% employment rate and strong loan repayment rates at 79%. Low-income families benefit most, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $22,031 net.
The student body is 76% Minnesota residents who stick around, with an 87% retention rate reflecting student satisfaction. Three-quarters graduate within six years, a solid rate for a school with a 72% acceptance rate that gives many students a chance to succeed.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.2%
- Retention Rate
- 87.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,764
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,406 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,325 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $84,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,858 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,964 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $59,124 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,869 |
| Education, General. | Master | $53,775 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $52,733 |
Campus Life
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name. Chapel services anchor the weekly rhythm at this Baptist university, though students come from diverse faith backgrounds. With 484 varsity athletes across 20 Division III sports, Royals games draw crowds throughout the year. Students often head to the Twin Cities on weekends for concerts, restaurants, and internship opportunities. The suburban campus offers a quieter alternative to urban college life while keeping big-city amenities within reach. Study groups form easily in residence halls, and many students participate in mission trips during breaks, reflecting the university's Christian service emphasis.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,566 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–24°F
- July Avg
- 64°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.9%
- Women
- 57.1%
- White
- 76.0%
- Black
- 5.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.3%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 76.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.0%
Location
- Address
- Saint Paul, Minnesota 55112
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,764
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,670
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bethel University?
Bethel University accepts 72.49% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. The middle 50% ACT score is around 24, reflecting the school's focus on admitting students who align with its Baptist values and academic standards.
How much does Bethel University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,439 annually, less than the full tuition of $42,930. The school is known for generous aid packages, with institutional grants averaging $24,586 for the quarter of students who receive them.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethel University?
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes typical of private liberal arts education. Bethel emphasizes personal attention and mentorship, with professors who integrate Christian perspectives into their teaching across disciplines.
What do graduates of Bethel University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $63,764 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes at 96.7%. The school's emphasis on practical ministry training and liberal arts education prepares students for careers in education, social work, and faith-based organizations.
Where is Bethel University located and what is campus life like?
The suburban Saint Paul campus houses 1,566 students in a close-knit Christian community. With 57.06% women and 42.94% men, the campus maintains traditional Baptist values while offering 20 NCAA Division III sports programs for 484 student athletes.
Does Bethel University offer athletic scholarships?
Bethel University offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, where student athletes compete for the love of sport rather than financial incentives. The school instead focuses its $24,586 average institutional grants on academic merit and financial need within its Christian mission.
